What Happens After an Arrest in Miami-Dade County?

Step 1: Booking at TGK

After arrest, most Miami-Dade defendants are transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) for booking. Booking includes fingerprints, photographs, a medical screening, and entry into the jail's computer system.

Booking typically takes 4–12 hours. During this window, no bond can be posted yet.

Step 2: First Appearance (Bond Hearing)

Within 24 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a judge — usually by video — for a bond hearing. The judge reviews the charges and sets a bond amount based on the Florida bond schedule and the circumstances of the case.

Some charges (like certain domestic violence cases) require the defendant to wait for first appearance before any bond can be posted.

Step 3: Posting the Bond

Once bond is set, a licensed Florida bail bond agent like Faroy can post a surety bond for 10% of the bond amount (the state-regulated premium, with a $100 minimum per charge). We handle the paperwork at the jail and coordinate the release.

Step 4: Release

After the bond is posted, release processing typically takes 4–12 hours depending on the facility, time of day, and how busy intake is. We stay in touch with you the entire time.