Polk County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Timmy

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Timmy: Assuming you can not afford to bond out you will go through the booking process at the booking facility in downtown Bartow across the street from the main courthouse. There is an old jail upstairs but it was really bad so they shut it down. Immediately after booking you will be transported to the Annex Jail a few miles down the street. This facility is VERY overcrowded and this will be the worst part of your stay at Polk Co Jail. Typically you will not stay here more than 30 days. Then you will be transported 25 miles or so to the new jail in Frostproof.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Timmy: No, I was just arrested one day and took to jail. Then violated probation and took back to jail.

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Timmy: Court in Polk Co is not that bad. They seem to be keeping up with the volume better than other Florida counties. You basically see a judge within a day or two at the most within your arrest. He will only determine that you are being held in jail legally. If a bond has not been set he will set your bond according to your charge. Your next court appearance will be your arraignment where you will have an opportunity to enter a plea. This is usually within 30 days of arrest, 45 days at the most. Not guilty means you come back again later because you are going to mount a defense against the charges. Guilty means the judge will sentence you right then. First appearance is less than one minute and you should not say anything at all to the judge accept to answer his questions directly.