Bail Application / Release Application

Bail is a legal process that allows an accused person to be released from custody while awaiting trial. A successful bail application can ensure your freedom while your case proceeds through the legal system.

A bail application involves:

  • Submitting a formal request to the court for release.
  • Arguing why detention is unnecessary.
  • Proposing conditions to mitigate risks (e.g., reporting to the police, surrendering a passport).
  • The court considering factors such as the severity of the offence, criminal history, and community safety.

What is Bail Application / Release Application?

For a successful bail application, the court evaluates:

  1. Flight Risk – Whether the accused is likely to fail to appear in court.
  2. Risk to the Community – Whether the accused poses a danger to others.
  3. Likelihood of Reoffending – If released, whether further offences may be committed.
  4. Strength of the Case – The prosecution’s evidence against the accused.

Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

Possible Defences

Common arguments in favour of bail include:

  • Strong Ties to the Community – Employment, family obligations, and residence stability.
  • Low Risk of Reoffending – No prior convictions or evidence of rehabilitation.
  • Strict Bail Conditions – Willingness to comply with conditions like reporting to police or wearing an electronic monitor.

Potential Penalties

If granted bail, you may need to comply with conditions such as:

  • Reporting to a police station regularly
  • Not contacting certain individuals
  • Remaining within a specific area
  • Providing a surety (financial guarantee)

Legal Process
& Options

A bail application involves presenting arguments in court, where the prosecution and defence submit evidence. The judge or magistrate then decides whether bail is granted or denied. If bail is refused, you may remain in custody until your trial. However, you can appeal the decision or reapply if circumstances change.

Pleading
Not Guilty

Pleading
Guilty

Frequently Asked Questions
The judge can use the following to determine whether the defendant is at risk of being inadmissible?

a. The defendant's background and criminal record, living conditions, and social contacts ;

b. the nature and seriousness of the alleged offence ;

c. How likely is it that you will go to jail if convicted ;

d. Whether there are legitimate reasons for the need for freedom of movement during the litigation period ;

e. Whether the defendant has a good record of complying with legal orders ;

f. How likely is it that the prosecution will succeed ?

g. Whether the defendant is a gang ;

h. Whether the defendant has taken any adverse action against the victim or his family after being charged ;

i. If bail is unsuccessful, the length of time the accused will be detained depending on the length of the case ;

j. Whether the defendant has a habitual tendency to violence ;

k. Whether releasing the defendant on bail would be a danger to the local community ; and

l. Whether the defendant is suspected of being a member of a terrorist or extremist organization.

To help the judge resolve the risk of the defendant being inadmissible, you need a team of lawyers who are experienced in bail for serious criminal offenses. Remember, the more time you have to prepare bail materials (within a limited time frame), the greater your chances of success.

If you or your friends or family members have been accused of a serious crime, please contact the criminal law team of Brightstone Defence immediately: P: 02 9223 1999 ; M: 045 008 8200

The "good cause" test

At the end of 2014 , the " reasonable grounds " test was added to the Bail Ordinance . If the defendant is over 18 years old and charged with some specified serious crimes, he will need to explain to the judge why he should not be detained to apply for bail. The judge can consider any credible evidence or information in accordance with Section 31 of the Bail Ordinance . If the evidence provided by the defendant is more likely than the contrary evidence provided by the prosecutor to prove that he has reasonable grounds not to be detained, the judge can release the defendant on bail (Section 32 of the Bail Ordinance ).

Bail is not a punishment

The principle of presumption of innocence can prevent people from being punished without being convicted. It is an important system to check the power of the government and ensure that people are not imprisoned or punished without reason. Even so, the principle of presumption of innocence does not work unconditionally. The bail procedure can ensure the implementation of the principle of presumption of innocence while taking into account important considerations such as social security and the implementation of criminal law.

How is bail determined?

As mentioned above, local, regional and high court judges in NSW (as well as the police) have the power to grant or refuse bail. The Court of Criminal Appeal also has this power after a lower court has made a bail decision. The Bail Ordinance requires all courts to review the application for bail when hearing it, rather than considering whether the previous bail decision (if any) was correct.

Bail or refusal of bail decided by the local or regional courts can be reviewed by the High Court or the Court of Criminal Appeal. It is worth noting that both the defendant and the prosecutor have the right to apply for a review of the bail decision by a higher court.

What is Bail?

Bail is the temporary release of a criminal defendant while he or she awaits trial. The police and the judge have the power to grant or deny bail. If bail is granted, the defendant is temporarily released. If bail is denied, the defendant will remain in custody while he or she awaits trial.

What steps should I take immediately after being charged with a criminal offence?

It's crucial to consult with a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and legal options. Contact us promptly to schedule a free consultation and start building your defence strategy.

How can a criminal defence lawyer help improve my case's outcome?

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What factors determine the cost of hiring a criminal defence lawyer?

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Can I still benefit from legal advice if I'm unsure about hiring a lawyer yet?

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How quickly can I expect a response from your team after contacting you?

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