FLORIDA COURTS INFORMATION

LISTING of WINTER HAVEN, POLK COUNTY COURTS

• What You Need to Know About Polk County, Florida Courts

  The criminal court you must appear in will be determined by your charges unless it is family law or corporate law. Most criminal charges in Polk County are heard in justice court.

  Criminal cases in Polk County, FL tend to be a long process, unless you're accepting a plea bargain. Speak with an attorney as there are many procedures that must take place in and out of court before your case can be completed.

  If you are unsure of what Polk County court you're supposed to show for, its best to contact your attorney, bail bondsman or the court directly. We've provided a list of courts below, including maps, phone numbers and websites You can also visit flcourts.gov for more details.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about FLORIDA COURT

  What happens if I show up to court late?

  Your case may get re-scheduled, or you may have a bench warrant issued for your arrest. This is especially true if you are continuously late or have "Fail To Appear" charges. DO NOT show up to court late. Try to be 30 minutes early. If you will be late you need to call your attorney. If you cannot get in contact with your attorney; call their office. If you can't get in touch with anyone on your attorney's team then you should call the court. Be sure you write down who you spoke with and the time you called them.

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  What happens if I miss court?

  DO NOT MISS COURT! You signed a contract with the city/county or a bondsman that you would show up to any and all court appearances. Should you fail to show to court, you may have a bench warrant for your arrest, additional charge of bail-jumping and will lose the money you put up for your bond.

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  What should I wear to court?

  Wear your "Going to Church" clothes. No jeans, leggings, yoga pants etc. Wear a jacket and collared shirt (men and women). Cover up your tattoos. DO NOT Wear jewelry. Don't wear a crazy hairstyle. Do your best to look professional, it goes a long way in how you look to the judge and jurors.

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  What is Florida court etiquette?

  To bond someone out of the Polk County detention facility you will need to provide a bail bondsman with the following information:

  • Arrive early and be prepared.
  • Make sure you meet with your attorney before the judge enters the courtroom
  • Do not chew gum or eat
  • Turn off your cell phone
  • Do you own or rent your home
  • Only enter the court when allowed
  • When waiting in the lobby, DO NOT talk to your case with anyone other than your attorney
  • When speaking to the judge, address them as "Your Honor" only.
  • When speaking the court, do not use slang or curse. Speak only in proper English.
  • Never interrupt your lawyer, the prosecutor or the judge. Speak only if asked a question.

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  How do you act during trial?

  Be respectful at all times. This means showing up on time, dressing well and speaking only when your attorney directs you to or asked a question by the judge.

  • Don't argue with the court.
  • Don't ever shake your head, roll your eyes, sigh out lous etc. Do not be disrespectful.
  • Never point at the judge or prosecutor
  • Refrain from using sarcasm.

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  Can I file an appeal?

  If you wish to challenge an order issued by the district court, you must file an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Supreme Court is the state's highest court, and has the power to hear the case or assign the case to the Florida Court of Appeals.

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  Should I hire a lawyer?

  If you can, always hire an attorney to represent you. While you may be offered a public defender. Keep in mind public defenders are overworked and have a lot of cases to handle.

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