Bail 101: Answers to Common Questions About Bail in Sydney

If you’ve been arrested, the first thing on your mind might be how to get out of jail and when you’ll be able to go home. However, you may not know what bail is, or if you do, you might have questions about how it works in your state or country and whether you can make bail. Here are answers from the leading criminal lawyers in Sydney to some of the most common questions about bail.

What is Bail?

In Australia, bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial. A surety (usually a family member or friend) guarantees that the accused will return to court when required. If the accused doesn't show up, the surety may lose the money they've put up for bail. The whole idea behind bail is to ensure that an accused person will turn up for their next appearance in court.

What Are the Bail Conditions?

If you are granted bail, the court will impose conditions that must be met before you can be released from custody. These conditions are designed to ensure that you appear for your next court date and do not commit any further offences while on bail. Ask any criminal lawyers in Sydney and they will tell you, some common bail conditions include living at a specific address, staying away from certain people or places, having a curfew (when you cannot leave home), reporting to police every day and not drinking alcohol.

How Long Does the Bail Last?

In Sydney, the bail will usually last until your case is over or it is changed by the court. If you are found guilty, the bail will be forfeit, and you will have to serve your sentence. The duration of bail will depend on the severity of the offence and the likelihood of the defendant returning to court. Criminal law firms suggest that bails can last anywhere from a few days to several months.

What Happens If I Fail to Attend Court When I Am Supposed To?

If you are out on bail and fail to attend court when you are supposed to, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. This means that the police will be looking for you, and if they find you, they will arrest you and take you to jail. If you turn yourself in, you may be able to get a new court date. However, if you don't turn yourself in and the police find you, you will be arrested and taken to jail without the chance of getting a new court date.

Bail conditions and criminal law in Sydney can be confusing, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. If you need bail and have specific questions about how it works, talk to qualified criminal lawyers who can assist you in this regard. They will help ease the entire process and bring about optimal results for your case.

The author is one of the best lawyers in Sydney. Along with the team of professionals, he helps clients effectively navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for their circumstances.