What is Bail and How Does it Work?
Bail is a process that allows someone under arrest and that prosecutors charged with a crime to gain release from custody while they await trial.
However, for individuals who have a mental health condition, the bail application process can be more complicated. This is because the court must consider not only the charges, but also how any mental health condition will impact their incarceration, and the potential risks to the community if they do get bail.
How to Address Mental Health Considerations in a Bail Application
When applying for bail, it is important to address any mental health considerations in the application.
You can do this by:
- providing medical reports and other relevant documentation that demonstrate the individual’s mental health condition
- documents that show treatment/medication an individual is receiving
- evidence of any support networks that the individual has in place. For example, family, friends, or community services that can provide assistance if they get bail
The Court’s Consideration in a Bail Application
It is also important to note that the court must consider any potential risks to the community if the individual gets bail.
This includes:
- the likelihood of the individual committing further offences
- potential for them to harm themselves or others
- any previous criminal history
- any failures to comply with previous bail conditions
One of the court’s main concerns is the safety of the community. This is why it is important to provide evidence of any steps that can be necessary to mitigate any potential risks. This may include providing a surety (someone who will guarantee the individual’s bail) or agreeing to specific bail conditions such as electronic monitoring or curfews.
Importance of Legal Representation
When addressing mental health considerations in bail applications, it is important to have the assistance of a lawyer with experience in handling bail and mental health cases.
Our lawyers have experience in bail applications. Further, we can provide guidance on the types of information and documentation that need to be provided to the court.
Mental health is an important consideration in bail applications. If you or a loved one needs bail and has a mental health condition, it’s important to address this in the application. Speak with one of our experienced bail lawyers to provide you with advice on your legal options.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Nicole Byrne
Content Creator | Media Coordinator
O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors
www.obriensolicitors.com.au
