What is bail?

Bail is some form of security furnished by a surety/bailor who executes a bail bond to ensure the attendance of the accused (for investigations or in court). When the bail sum does not exceed S$15,000.00, bail may be furnished in the form of a cash deposit or personal property items.

What are the types of bail?

There are generally two common types of bail in Singapore:
• bail granted by the prosecuting agency (commonly known as ‘Police Bail’); and
• bail granted by the courts (commonly known as ‘Court Bail’).

Right to bail

The right to bail will depend on the type of offence alleged by the prosecuting agency. For certain offences, bail must be offered as of right and the court has no discretion to refuse bail. Contact us to find out more.

How to qualify as a bailor?

You can be a bailor if you are:
• Aged 21 years and above.
• Not a bankrupt.
• No pending case in the courts.
• A Singapore citizen or a Permanent Resident of Singapore.
• Prepared to accept the responsibilities of a bailor until the case is over.
• Prepared to pledge security whether in cash or in personal properties for the amount of bail as ordered by the Court.

Duties of a bailor/surety

Ensure released person surrenders to custody
• Ensure released person makes himself available for investigations
• Ensure released person attends court at the appointed time, as the case may be
• Must keep in daily communication with the released person
• Must lodge a police report within 24 hours of losing contact with released person
• Ensure that released person is in Singapore unless permitted by the court to leave Singapore.

What happens if you breach your duties as a bailor/surety?

If you breach your duties as a bailor/surety, the court may forfeit the whole or any part of the amount of the bond.

When do the duties of a bailor/surety cease?

The duties of a bailor/surety will only cease in the following circumstances:
• When the matter is concluded and the court has delivered its verdict on the accused; or
• When the court grants the application of discharge of bailor/surety.

For more useful information regarding bail, download the State Court Guide by clicking here!