10 Things to Do If You Get Arrested in Hudson, FL and Need a Bail Bondsman

1. Keep Your Cool & Know Your Rights

• Stay calm. Arrests are stressful—but losing it won’t help. Staying composed aids clear thinking.
• Remain silent. You have the constitutional right to stay silent. Say “I wish to remain silent and speak to an attorney.” Anything you say may be used in court.
• Ask for counsel. Whether you hire a lawyer or use a public defender, ask to talk to legal representation before answering questions.
• Avoid resisting. Arguing or resisting can lead to extra charges or complications.

These steps help preserve your legal standing from the very first moments.

2. Understand the Booking & First Appearance Process

After arrest in Hudson, you'll be taken to the Pasco County Jail in Land O’Lakes. Here's what happens next:

1. Booking: Fingerprinting, photos, and personal information are recorded. You will then be assigned a Bond amount under the uniform bond schedule issued by thee chief judge in the circuit.
2. First appearance: If you have not chosen to post bond, as described in #1 A judge will review the charges and bail amount. The next day for a further determination of your bail amount.
3. Bond determination: See items #1 and #2 for description.

At this point, you have the knowledge needed post bail or arrange a bond.

3. Decide Between Paying Cash Bail or Hiring a Bail Bondsman

• Cash bail: You or loved ones pay 100% directly for release. This money is refunded if all court appearances are kept—minus fees.
• Bail bond: A bondsman post the full bail amount through a surety bond with the court and in return you only have to pay the bondsman a 10% (non-refundable fee) of the full bail amount. This is much more manageable than full cash bail .
• Own recognizance (OR): Sometimes, you’re released on your promise to appear—no money exchanged.

For most arrested individuals, a bail bond offers fast release without draining bank accounts.

4. Call Brad’s Bail Bonds (Open 24/7 Across from Jail)

Brad’s Bail Bonds is a trusted, family-owned agency with:

• Over 35 years serving Pasco County and the oldest bail agency in the county.
• Convenient location: directly across from the Pasco County jail entrance—no extra travel needed. This makes us the fastest bondsman in Pasco County.
• 24/7 availability, even holidays .
• Leadership from owner Bryan Tunnell, past president of Florida Bail Agents Association, current 23 year board member of the FBAA and a certified bail agent licensing instructor.

Their experience and proximity mean you or your loved one can be released quickly and with minimal stress.

5. Have This Info Ready When You Call

To help Brad’s team move fast, gather:

• Arrested person’s full name, date of birth, and booking number (if available).
• Charges and bail amount (if known).
• Location: Pasco County Jail in Land O’Lakes.
• Your contact details and relationship to the arrested.

Accurate information = faster processing.

6. Complete Paperwork & Pay the Bond Fee

After confirming bail details:

1. Sign bond forms: Bail Bond contract agreements outlining both your and the bondsman’s responsibilities.
2. Pay the fee: Typically 10% for state bonds, up to 15% for federal.
3. Collateral: Required in some cases (property, vehicles); often waived for standard bonds amounts on the uniform bond schedule.

Brad’s bondsmen will guide you through this process seamlessly.

7. Posting the Bond & Release

• Once paperwork and payment are complete, the bond is posted at the jail.
• Release time may vary—usually within a few hours during the day, or the next morning if late.
• Because Brad’s Bail Bonds location is steps from the jail, you’re likely to be walking out within hours of the first phone call.

8. Stick to Bail Conditions

Upon release, you must follow all court conditions:

• Appear at every scheduled court date.
• Avoid illegal activities and comply with any restraining orders.
• Stay within any imposed area and check in if required.
• Missing court results in bail forfeiture, a bench warrant, and thee bondsman will convert the collateral to pay thee bail forfeiture if he/she is unable to apprehend you 1st.
• These rules protect your freedom and avoid serious consequences.

9. Plan for Court Appearances & Legal Proceedings

• Set reminders for every court date—digital calendars help.
• Work with your attorney to build a defense or negotiate pleas.
• Keep Brad’s updated if there are any changes or delays.
• Staying organized and supported sets the tone for the rest of your case.

10. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

• If you miss court: A warrant is issued; contact Brad’s immediately—they can guide you through options.
• If bail conditions are violated: You may returned to custody; thee bondsman involvement will now escalate into either a bond revocation or a higher bond amount, ordered by the court.
• If case resolves or bond is exonerated: Bond fee is non-refundable, but any collateral is returned once the court case concludes.

Why Brad’s Bail Bonds Stands Out for Hudson Residents

Extra Info for Families & Loved Ones

• Inmate info search: Call Brad’s Bail Bonds for immediate inmate info
• Cash bond refunds: If bail was paid in cash, contact Pasco Clerk after case resolution app.pascoclerk.com.
• Uniform bond schedule: Pasco uses bond schedules written by the Florida Supreme Court and the Pasco Circuit Chief judge.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can release happen?
Typically a few hours after bail is posted. Brad’s location accelerates this process.

How much is the bond fee?
State bond: ~10% of bail. Federal- 15%.

Is collateral always required?
No—depends on bail amount and risk. Brad’s will clarify during the bail posting process.

Missed court—what now?
Warrant is issued, bail is forfeited. Contact Brad’s for next steps—they will advise or assist surrender.

Case dismissed—what's returned?
Your bond fee is non-refundable. Any collateral is returned after court processes the bond exoneration.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one gets arrested in Hudson, FL, knowing what to do next can be your ticket to freedom. Start by:

1. Staying calm and asserting your rights.
2. Understanding booking and bond processes.
3. Calling Brad’s Bail Bonds—always open and right across from jail.
4. Preparing accurate arrest details.
5. Signing paperwork and posting bond fee.
6. Following release and bail conditions strictly.
7. Staying proactive about court dates and legal strategy.
8. Reacting responsibly if issues arise with bail.

Brad’s Bail Bonds—9907 Land O’Lakes Blvd, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639—is your trusted partner in Pasco County. With decades of experience, unmatched convenience, and a caring local team, they’re ready to help 24/7 at (813) 995‑2222.