How Does a Court Grant Bail to a Suspect?

Bail is not punishment

Bail principally secures the suspect’s or accused’s future attendance, protects the proceedings from interference and, where necessary, public safety. The person remains protected by the presumption of innocence.

Factors considered

• Nature of the alleged offence and possible sentence
• Apparent strength of the evidence
• Risk of absconding or leaving the country
• Risk of interference with witnesses or evidence
• Risk of further offending
• Family, employment, residence and property ties in the country
• Compliance with earlier court orders

Possible conditions

• A personal bond in a stated amount
• One or more reliable sureties
• Cash bail or another security approved by the court
• Surrender of passport and a travel ban
• Reporting to a police station on specified days
• No contact with witnesses or entry into specified areas

Conditions must be proportionate

Bail should not be set beyond the person’s real means so that it becomes detention in practice. Breach may cause forfeiture, arrest or further orders. The current Criminal Procedure Law should be checked because of amendments made in 2026.