Applying for Bail? Avoid These Mistakes

If you’ve been arrested, you may be able to get out of jail while your case goes through the legal system by posting bail. Yes, if you pay a certain amount of money to the court or a bail bondsman, you’ll be released until your trial or other hearing date. But what happens if you make mistakes when applying for bail? You might have to stay in jail longer than you should or even miss your trial altogether because the judge thinks you’re likely to skip out on it if let out of jail. We, the expert criminal lawyers in Sydney, have listed the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for bail.

Not Knowing All the Details

One of the biggest mistakes people make when applying for bail is not knowing all the details of their case. This can lead to problems down the road, so you must take the time to learn as much as you can about your charges and your options before making any decisions.

Lying

Remember, it’s important to be honest when applying for bail. Lying to the court, even if it’s a small lie, can result in your bail being denied or revoked. In addition, if you’re caught lying, you could also be charged with perjury, which is a serious crime.

What are the different types of bail conditions?

Some bail conditions are about things you must do or must not do. This type of bail condition is called a ‘conduct requirement’. Some examples of conduct requirements are

■ report to police every day

■ live at a specific address

■ surrender your passport

■ not associate with specific people (this means not go near or talk to those people)

■ not go within a certain distance of a specific place (e.g. within 500 metres of the shopping centre)

■ obey a curfew.

Other types of bail conditions are generally only imposed if conduct requirements are not enough. Seek assistance from criminal law firms to guide you through the bail process.

Using the Wrong Address When Posting Bail

If you use the wrong address when posting bail, your money could be sent to the wrong place, and you might not get it back. Plus, the court might not be able to find you if you move without updating your address. To avoid this mistake, double-check the address on your bail paperwork before sending anything in.

Getting Arrested During Bail Period

If you're arrested during your bail period, you may have to start the criminal law Sydney process all over again. Plus, you'll likely have to come up with more money for bail, and deal with any additional charges that may have been filed against you. To avoid this, don't break the law while on bail. Pay attention to those court-mandated restrictions too (e.g. staying away from children), so there's no way they can say you’ve violated them.

Not Sure If You Need a Criminal Lawyer? Watch Out For These Signs

If you’re facing serious criminal charges, it’s time to consider hiring a criminal lawyer in Australia. It may not seem like it, but there are several signs that indicate you need legal aid to reduce your sentence or get out of jail altogether! Here are some of the warning signs that point to the need for a criminal lawyer.

For Anyone Facing Prison Time

Let’s be honest, hiring a criminal lawyer can feel like a last resort. If you’re facing prison time, however, it may be your only option and not just because of their skills in court but also because they often are familiar with alternative sentencing options that could get you off with minimal prison time or even probation.

When You Are Charged With Murder

We’ve all heard stories of death penalty sentences and life without parole, but what if you are charged with something far less serious than murder? If you have been charged with assault or domestic violence, for example, it’s important that you contact criminal law firms that have experience dealing with these types of cases. A criminal lawyer can help you understand your rights in court, negotiate bail terms or reduce your sentence altogether.

If You Have Had Bad Legal Advice

If you have had bad legal advice and are now dealing with an error on your record, consider hiring a criminal lawyer who is experienced in handling these cases. Your lawyer may be able to get some or all of your charges dismissed based on an error by your attorney that significantly affected your case. Most often, these errors involve matters of procedure.

When Being Sued For Drinking and Driving

If you get pulled over for driving drunk, chances are good that you’ll be taken into custody. Once there, you may face serious charges and not just a DUI. Law enforcement will often add on other violations and penalties, including driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run accidents, resisting arrest and possession of illegal drugs. In these cases, it’s wise to contact experienced Sydney criminal and traffic lawyers who can help protect your rights and freedom in court and negotiate on your behalf.

If Police Want To Question You in an Investigation

Although you have no legal obligation to talk with police, it can be hard not to answer their questions. Police will ask open-ended questions, such as when did you last see him? Try not to respond with simple yes or no answers. In addition, remember that you don’t have an attorney present while you speak with police so try your best not to make any statements that may get you into legal trouble later on. When in doubt, call a criminal lawyer immediately.