A domestic battery arrest in Jacksonville moves quickly. One moment you're in your home, and the next you may be in handcuffs headed to the Duval County Jail. The most important thing to know is this:
What happens in the first 24–48 hours?
What Happens After the Arrest?
After the officer makes an arrest, you are transported to:
Duval County Jail
500 E Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
You will go through:
- Fingerprinting
- Photographs
- Property inventory
- Possible medical screening
This part is stressful—but temporary.
You Will NOT Be Given a Bond Immediately
In domestic battery cases, Florida law prohibits an immediate setting of bond.
Instead, you must appear before a first appearance judge (usually within 24 hours). Depending on what time you were arrested, you would go before a judge on the morning or afternoon calendar.
This is where the no-contact order can be issued.
First Appearance: What to Expect
At the hearing, the judge will decide:
- Whether you can be released on bond
- The bond amount
- Whether you are allowed to have contact with the alleged victim
- Any special conditions (GPS, stay-away zones, alcohol restrictions)
In many cases, your family is not allowed to speak at this hearing.
However, your attorney can:
- Request a lower bond
- Argue against no-contact or request a no-violent-contact modification
- Provide background (employment, military service, ties to the community, no prior record)
*The state attorney will try to get ahold of the victim prior to the hearing regarding contact.
The No-Contact Order
This order often means:
- You cannot return home.
- You cannot see your children.
- You cannot call, text, email, or message the alleged victim.
Violating this order is a new criminal charge, even if they initiate contact.
Once we are retained, we can file a motion to modify the no-contact order when appropriate.
After Release: The State Attorney will determine if formal charges will be filed.
Just because you were arrested does not mean you will be formally charged.
The State Attorney reviews:
- Police reports
- 911 call audio
- Body camera footage
- Witness statements
Your attorney should contact the assigned prosecutor before filing to request:
- Dropped charges
- Pretrial diversion
- Reduced charges
Timing matters.
Contact a Jacksonville Domestic Battery Defense Lawyer Immediately
If a loved one is in Duval County Jail for domestic battery, we can act fast.
Call Mesic Law at (904) 615-8950 to request help with release and no-contact order modification.