In criminal law, bail is the process of releasing a defendant from jail or other governmental custody with conditions set to reasonably assure public safety and court appearance.
Factors That Influence Bail Cost Bail of $500,000 or more is not uncommon for serious crimes such as murder, rape, or aggravated assault. It is often based on the type and severity of the charges in criminal defense, as well as the defendant's criminal history and flight risk.
If you are granted police bail you may have to sign a Bail Undertaking which places restrictions on what you may do whilst on bail. If bail is refused by police then under the Bail Act 1982, you must be taken before a court as soon as reasonably practicable.
In cases of more serious crimes, the suspects will have to wait for a bail hearing. At the hearing, a judge will decide if the suspect may be released on bail and the amount. Bail is based on the suspect's flight chance and the crime accused.
The decision to post bail for someone should not be taken lightly. Financially, you risk losing the bail amount or collateral if the defendant fails to appear in court. Legally, the defendant's absence can lead to arrest warrants and additional charges, complicating their legal situation further.