Walter B Smith Attorney At Law

Phone Numbers:

(850) 215-7841 - Main Phone

Address:

235 E Beach Dr
Panama City, FL 32401

Description:

Education - Three decades of trial experience - many high-profile cases - Deputy public defender, Panama City, Florida, 1992 to 2011 - Member, American Bar Association - Walter has tried over 250 cases before juries in 12 different counties within the State of Florida, including over 100 homicide cases and two dozen death penalty cases. - AV rated pre-eminent attorney by Martindale Hubbell - Founder of nonprofit organization that has supported skate parks and youth boxing in the Panama City community - Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Professional Memberships- Member, Florida Bar, admitted 1980. - Admitted to practice, District Court for the Northern District of Florida, 1980 - Admitted to Practice, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, 1980 - Admitted to practice, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1981 - Member, American Bar Association - Member, American Bar Association tax section - Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Member, Bay County Bar AssociationProfessional Accomplishments- Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, recognized by the Florida Bar - AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, considered a preeminent attorney since 2000 - Private Practice, Tallahassee, Florida, 1980 to 1981 - Assistant Public defender, Tallahassee Florida, 1981 to 1983 - Chief Assistant Public Defender, Apalachicola, Florida, 1983 to 1990 - Private Practice, Apalachicola, Florida 1990 to 1992 - Deputy public defender, Panama City, Florida, 1992 to 2011

What is a bail hearing?

After a defendant is arrested, a bail hearing is scheduled to determine if the defendant is a flight risk and to set the amount of his or her bail or deny the bail and bonds altogether if the defendant is deemed a flight risk.

How long after an arrest does it take to set bail?

States have laws that specify when a bail hearing must take place after an arrest. For most states, the hearing must be held 48 to 72 hours after the arrest – but weekends and holidays will not count towards this time.

What is a bail bond?

A bail bond is a contractual guarantee, issued by a licensed bail bond agent, between the agent the defendant and the court, that promises the court the full bail payment if the defendant does not show up for his or her scheduled court hearing.

How quickly can a bail bond be issued?

Once defendants have received a bail amount at their bail hearing, and contacted a bail bond service, the bail and bonds are usually accomplished within 24 hours of the bail hearing.

What is the cost of a bail bond?

States set the fee for a bail bond, and in most states, the fee is 10 percent of the total bail. This fee is paid to the bond agent for the bond service, and it is a non-refundable fee.

Are there any alternatives to a bail bond?

Yes. Defendants may pay the full price of the bail, opt for a property bond or try to gain a release through their own recognizance.

What if a defendant cannot afford a bail bond?

Defendants who cannot afford a bail bond can try for a release on their own recognizance, search for a bail bond agent who offers a payment plan, or remain in jail until their court hearing.

What happens if a defendant flees?

If a defendant flees the full amount of the bail is due, the defendant will be charged with costs associated with their recovery and the amount of the bail is forever forfeit even after the defendant is recovered.

What type of collateral can be used for a bail bond?

Almost anything of value can be used as collateral for a bail bond, including retirement or private savings, property, or personal items of value such as jewelry or antique collections that belong to the defendant or to family members or friends who accept responsibility for the collateral.

When does the bail bond end?

The process for bail and bonds ends when defendants appear for their court hearing. Regardless of the outcome of their hearing, as long as they show up, the bonds are terminated.