Can bail be granted subject to conditions?

Asked by: Monty Cartwright  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
Score: 5/5 (23 votes)

Yes, bail is very commonly granted subject to various conditions, which courts impose to ensure the accused appears in court, protects the community, and doesn't interfere with the legal process, with common restrictions including curfews, travel limits, no-contact orders (especially with victims/witnesses), electronic monitoring, and regular reporting to authorities. These conditions can range from non-monetary rules to financial requirements, all aimed at balancing the presumption of innocence with public safety and justice integrity.

What are the conditions for granting bail?

A) GRANT OF BAIL IN BAILABLE OFFENCES: Section 436 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that Person accused of bailable offense under IPC can be granted bail. Conditions for Grant of Bail in bailable offenses: Sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offense.

What is imposition of conditions while granting bail?

Conditional bail refers to the release of an accused from custody while awaiting trial under specific conditions set by the court. These conditions are imposed to ensure the person's compliance with the legal process and to mitigate potential risks associated with their release.

On what grounds can bail be rejected?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

What are the conditions to be released on bail?

If bail is granted, then there will be restrictions placed on the person released from custody* before their trial, designed to ensure they attend court, do not endanger the public or witnesses, and do not commit further crimes. These are known as conditions of bail.

What can (and can't) you do while you're on bail? [Criminal law explainer]

17 related questions found

In which circumstances release on bail is mandatory?

By Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2005 sub-section (1) Section 436 was amended to make a mandatory provision that if the arrested person is accused of a bailable offense is an indigent and cannot furnish surety, the courts shall release him on his execution of a bond without sureties.

What are the most common bail conditions?

Common bail conditions

  • To be at court on a certain date – this is the primary purpose of bail.
  • Contact restrictions – not to contact certain persons, usually an alleged victim.
  • Location restrictions – not to go to certain places.
  • Residential – to reside at a certain address.

Why would someone be denied bail?

Bail is denied primarily when a judge deems the defendant a significant flight risk (unlikely to return for court) or a threat to public safety, with common reasons being the severity of the alleged crime (especially violent or serious felonies), a history of failing to appear, or violations of current probation/parole, indicating a disregard for court orders or a danger to the community.
 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

When can a person be denied bail?

Understanding the reasons why bail might be denied in California is crucial. This knowledge can help you and your defense team prepare for court and address potential concerns effectively. A judge can deny bail in your criminal case if they think you are a flight risk or a threat to public safety.

Can bail conditions include drug tests?

Evaluation of bail conditions: If the judge determines that bail is appropriate, the next step is to set the bail amount and conditions. The judge may set conditions such as electronic monitoring, drug testing, or travel restrictions.

What are alternatives to bail?

Other methods may be more effective than cash bail at getting people to come to court:

  • Phone call reminders increase appearance rates by 42% and mail reminders may increase appearance rates by as much as 33%.
  • Unsecured monetary bail more effective than monetary bail at getting defendants to come to court.

What are the consequences of violating bail conditions?

Breaking bail conditions is a serious misstep in the legal landscape, carrying significant consequences for those involved. Failing to comply with bail can lead to additional charges, stricter conditions, or even incarceration, affecting both personal and professional realms.

Who decides whether to grant bail?

Under section 43B of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980(3), where a defendant has been charged with an offence, on application by the defendant a magistrates' court may grant bail itself, in substitution for bail granted by a custody officer, or vary the conditions of bail granted by a custody officer.

Who is not entitled to bail?

The right to bail is anchored on the Constitution, which provides that all persons shall be bailable before conviction, except those charged with offenses punishable by death, reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment, when the evidence of guilt is strong.

What are the considerations while granting bail?

When deciding on bail (regular or anticipatory), courts typically evaluate: Nature and seriousness of the offence – More serious crimes generally make bail harder to obtain. Evidence and investigation status – Whether the investigation is complete or pending.

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

Which lawyer wins most cases?

There's no single lawyer universally recognized for the most cases won, as records are hard to track and definitions vary, but Gerry Spence is famous for never losing a criminal case and a long civil win streak (until 2010), while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo holds a Guinness World Record for 245 successive murder acquittals, making them top contenders for different aspects of "most wins". 

What percentage of cases never go to court?

Call Us To Schedule A Free Consultation. Plea agreements are by far the most common way a criminal case is resolved — in fact, statistics show that 90-95% of criminal cases are resolved this way (by agreement).

When can bail not be granted?

Bail should be denied only when there is a risk of absconding, tampering with evidence, or influencing witnesses. While determining whether to grant bail the following two aspects have to be taken into consideration: i. Seriousness of the charge, and ii.

How to convince a judge to not put you in jail?

One of the most effective ways your lawyer can help keep you out of jail is by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution. They may be able to convince the other side to reduce the charges or recommend a lesser sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

Why are some defendants denied bail?

If a defendant fails to meet the release conditions, they may be denied bail. Someone may also be denied bail if the judge or magistrate determines that no security or set of conditions can guarantee public safety or the defendant's future court appearance.

What crimes do not allow bail?

Some violent crimes always mean no bail. For example, murder, aggravated assault, and domestic violence are often on the no bond offenses list. The courts see these crimes as threats to public safety if the accused is released.

What alternatives to bail exist?

Alternatives to cash bail include pretrial services, supervision programs, recognizance releases, unsecured bonds, and electronic monitoring, all aiming to ensure court appearances without financial burdens. These alternatives are designed to address the shortcomings of the cash bail system.

What's considered excessive bail?

Excessive bail is an amount of bail ordered to be posted by an accused defendant which is much more than necessary or usual to ensure they will make court appearances particularly in relation to minor crimes.