In Queensland, bail is like a promise you make to the court that you will attend all your court dates and follow certain rules while your criminal case is ongoing. It's a way to stay out of jail until your case is resolved. When you're granted bail, unlike in the U.S TV shows we see, money offered as a "surety" is not a usual condition.

Bail is granted by a judge or a magistrate or at times the watch house, and they consider factors like the type of offence, your past criminal record, and whether you're a flight risk (likely to run away). The goal of bail is to strike a balance between ensuring you show up for court and protecting the community. If you follow the rules and attend all your court dates, you won't go to jail while your case is ongoing.

However breaching bail is an offence and might see you remanded in custody, as is failing to appear.

Often with criminal matters in the Queensland courts and "administrative" court dates, your lawyer will request that you don't have to personally appear in court for certain hearings or have your appearance excused. This is often done for practical reasons, convenience, or when it's not necessary for you to be there.

After every time our lawyers appear for you in court, we send you a letter with your next court date and if you need to attend in person or not.