Bail
An alternative to custody. Types of bail include:
- pre-charge bail or police bail, imposed by the police, when there isn’t sufficient evidence to charge the individual with an offence;
- post-charge bail, imposed by the police, when an individual has been charged; and
- court bail, imposed by the courts when an individual has been charged.
Bail can be either unconditional or conditional.
Conditional bail means that restrictions and conditions are imposed on defendants. This may mean the defendant can’t contact a complainant or go to a certain location.
Unconditional bail means that there are no restrictions and conditions imposed on defendants. It is usually granted when there is no flight risk and it is unlikely that the defendant will reoffend or interfere with victims and witnesses.