First appearance is the arrested person's initial hearing before a judge, generally within 24 hours of arrest under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130. The judge informs the defendant of charges, appoints counsel if qualified, determines pretrial release conditions, and sets bond according to the county bond schedule — or higher upon good cause. Outcomes hinge on criminal history, community ties, and charge severity. Having counsel at first appearance materially improves bond outcomes, including non-monetary release terms.