The Bail Process
This video is about the bail process after you have been charged. Bail conditions have to relevant to the case and can be appealed against.
Understanding New Zealand Law: The Bail Process
If you've been charged with a criminal case in New Zealand, you'll often be bailed from the police station. This means you'll have to sign a document with certain conditions that you must abide by. Understanding these conditions and the implications of breaching them is crucial.
The Bail Process
After being charged, you'll typically sign a document at the police station, agreeing to certain conditions. This is known as police bail. When you return to court, you'll sign another document with conditions, known as court bail.
Unlike in some countries, you don't have to pay to get bail in New Zealand. However, you must comply with the conditions of your bail. If the police believe you're breaching a condition, they will arrest you and hold you in custody until you appear in front of a court. If you're arrested on a Saturday morning, for example, you might be waiting 48 hours just to get into court.
Bail Conditions
Bail conditions cannot be arbitrary. They can't simply state that you can't drink alcohol or go to a particular address. They must relate to the case and aim to prevent you from committing more offending or interfering with witnesses.
If you have arbitrary bail conditions, you should speak to your lawyer about it and try to get it resolved. It's always best to get good bail conditions at the start. If that doesn't work, you can argue your case in front of a judge. If that still doesn't work, you can appeal and go to the High Court.
Keeping Your Bail Bond
One important tip is to keep your bail bond on your person 24/7. If the police find you and think you're breaching your conditions, sometimes the computer can be wrong, and you could end up getting locked up for no reason. But if you have the piece of paper with you, it may work in your favor and prevent you from getting arrested.
Reach Out for Help
If you're facing a criminal charge and dealing with bail conditions, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. You can Phone me on 021488367 or 0800 BUSTED (0800287833) or email me. I'm here to help you navigate this process and explore your options. I'm here to help you navigate this process and ensure your rights are protected.
