Getting arrested—or hearing that someone you love has been—is overwhelming. One minute you’re going about your day. The next, you’re thrown into a legal process you don’t understand, and it feels like everything’s moving too fast to keep up.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate this complex system alone.
Below, we’ll walk you through what typically happens after someone is arrested in St. Lucie County, from jail booking to court hearings. Whether you’re reading this from home or you just bonded out, knowing what comes next can help you protect your future—and make the right moves now.
What Happens After Someone is Arrested in St. Lucie County?
When someone is arrested in St. Lucie County, they’re usually taken into custody by local police or sheriff’s deputies. The arrest might happen at a traffic stop, during a domestic dispute, after a warrant is served, or following a criminal investigation.
Once arrested, they’re searched, handcuffed, and transported to the jail for booking. Officers document the charges, take fingerprints and a mugshot, and log the person’s belongings. While this process can take several hours, it’s just the beginning of the legal timeline.
Where Do People Go After Being Arrested in St. Lucie County?
Most people are booked at the St. Lucie County Jail, located in Fort Pierce and operated by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. You can use the St. Lucie Inmate Lookup tool to check whether someone is in custody.
After booking, they’ll typically stay at this jail until their first court appearance. In some cases, they may be moved between facilities depending on overcrowding, classification, or medical needs—but most remain local during the early stages of the case.
How Long Can Police Hold You Without Charges in St. Lucie County?
Under Florida law, anyone arrested must be brought before a judge within 24 hours. This is called the “first appearance” hearing, and it’s where the judge reviews the charges and decides on bond or release.
However, even after this hearing, the prosecution doesn’t have to file formal charges immediately.
By law, the State Attorney’s Office has up to 30 days from the date of arrest to file formal charges. If no charges are filed within that window, the defendant must be released from custody on the 33rd day, unless the court finds good cause to grant an extension.
In some situations, that window can extend to 40 days under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.134, especially if prosecutors believe additional evidence is forthcoming.
Bottom line? Police don’t need to file charges to hold someone overnight, and a release doesn’t mean the case is dropped.
Step-by-Step: What Happens After an Arrest in St. Lucie County
The early stages of a criminal case move fast—and confusion during this time can hurt your outcome. Here’s how the process unfolds, step by step:
1. Arrest and Transport
You’re taken into custody by law enforcement. They may arrest you on the spot for a new charge or based on a warrant. After the arrest, you’ll be transported to the St. Lucie County Jail.
2. Booking
Once at the jail, you’ll go through the booking process. This includes:
- Fingerprinting and mugshots
- Confiscation of personal items
- Initial charge listed (but not yet finalized by the State)
- Placement in a holding unit
3. First Appearance (Within 24 hours)
By law, you must be seen by a judge within 24 hours of arrest. This court appearance typically takes place at the jail, often via video. Here’s what occurs:
- The judge confirms probable cause for the arrest
- You’re informed of your rights
- Bail is either set, denied, or you’re released on recognizance (ROR)
- In some cases, a no-contact order, GPS monitoring, or travel restrictions are imposed
If you haven’t hired a private attorney, a public defender may be appointed—but only if you qualify for continued representation.
4. Bail and Release
If bail is granted and someone pays it (either directly or through a bondsman), release typically occurs within 4 to 8 hours.
If you can’t afford bail, your lawyer may be able to request a bond reduction or argue for non-monetary conditions at a later hearing.
But know that posting bail doesn’t mean you’re free and clear— under Florida law, you still must return for every court date, and violating any release conditions can result in re-arrest.
5. State Attorney Reviews Case (up to 33 days)
After the first appearance, the case is handed to the State Attorney’s Office. They decide whether to:
- Drop the case (called a “no-file”)
- File the charges as-is
- File different or additional charges
Once charges are filed, the case moves to arraignment, which is when you’ll enter a formal plea.
6. Arraignment and Beyond
At an arraignment in Port St. Lucie County, you or your attorney enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. From there, your case can move toward:
- Pretrial hearings
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Plea negotiations
- Trial
This part of the process takes weeks or months—and having a strong defense strategy in place before this stage even begins can completely change your outcome.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Early Can Make All the Difference
When you or someone you love has just been arrested, time is of the essence. What happens in those first 24–72 hours can shape the entire case.
Here’s what our aggressive criminal defense attorneys from Simko Law Group can do immediately:
- Challenge unlawful stops or arrests
- Communicate with the jail on your behalf
- Appear at first appearance to argue for lower bail or release
- Begin negotiating with the State Attorney’s Office before charges are even filed
- Help you avoid common mistakes that damage your case
Because we’re former prosecutors, we know exactly how St. Lucie County builds cases—and where those cases fall apart. We use that insight to stay one step ahead and fight aggressively for our clients’ freedom.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in St. Lucie County, don’t wait for things to “work themselves out.” That rarely happens. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and your future.
You only get one shot at handling this the right way. Let’s make sure your next step is the right one. Call Simko Law Group at (561) 951-1264 now for your free consultation.