In which circumstances release on bail is mandatory?

Asked by: Ms. Sandra Ritchie DDS  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
Score: 5/5 (62 votes)

Release on bail is mandatory in many jurisdictions for non-capital offenses unless the court finds, by clear evidence, that the defendant poses a significant risk of flight or danger to the community, often involving specific serious crimes like violent offenses, repeat offenses, or drug offenses with high sentences, or if the defendant is a flight risk or danger to justice/witnesses, but it becomes restrictive or denied for capital crimes and certain serious offenses. In some legal systems, like India's (default bail), release becomes mandatory if the investigation or trial exceeds certain timeframes.

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 is mandatory bail?

The accused is asked to join the investigation and is granted interim bail which is later on made absolute upon his joining the investigation and cooperating with the police authorities. Default Bail: This bail is also known as Mandatory Bail.

In what cases is bail not allowed?

California law prohibits bail altogether for some offenses. For example, capital offenses like first-degree murder with special circumstances often do not allow bail. The decision is not necessarily at the judge's discretion but is mandated based on the crime itself.

What are the exceptions to the right to bail?

Ancillary exceptions include the defendant's need for custody for their own protection, being already on a custodial sentence, inability to obtain sufficient information, or arrest for prior bail breach or absconding.

What is Bail? Section 436-439 of CrPC | Procedure for Bail

39 related questions found

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.

What is the exceptional circumstances test?

Schedule 1 offences—step 1—exceptional circumstances test

The accused bears the burden of satisfying the bail decision maker as to the existence of exceptional circumstances. In considering whether exceptional circumstances exist, the bail decision maker must take into account the surrounding circumstances.

On what grounds can bail be cancelled?

bail granted under Section 437 (1) or (2) or Section 439 (1) can be cancelled were (i) the accused misuses his liberty by indulging in similar criminal activity, (ii) interferes with the course of investigation (iii) attempts to tamper with evidence or witnesses, (iv) threatens witnesses or investigation, (v) there is ...

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 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.
 

Why do people refuse bail?

The potential for life imprisonment or death penalty creates powerful motivation for defendants to flee, making bail inappropriate in many cases. Violent felonies including armed robbery, sexual assault, and aggravated battery frequently lead to bail denial.

How long can you stay in jail without bail?

You can be held without bond for varying times, often 24-48 hours for an initial review, but potentially much longer (days, weeks, or months) for serious charges (like murder, domestic violence), flight risk, parole violations, or if a dangerousness hearing is requested, though laws require charges or a bond hearing within specific periods (like 48 hours in some states before formal charges). The exact duration depends on state law, the severity of the alleged crime, and the judge's discretion, with potential for extended detention pending trial if deemed a danger. 

What are the conditions of bail?

A bail condition is a restriction imposed at a bail hearing by a judge, necessary to prevent the risk of the defendant from failing to return to custody, committing further offences while on bail, or attempting to pervert the course of justice while awaiting trial or sentence.

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.

In what cases will bail be granted?

You should be granted bail if there is no real likelihood of a prison sentence if you plead guilty or are convicted. As always there are exceptions to the rule.

How long can you be detained without charges?

You can generally be detained without charges for up to 48 hours, with a common limit being 72 hours (3 days) before a judge must review the arrest or charges are filed, though this varies by location and circumstances, with some jurisdictions like California having stricter 48-hour rules, and complex cases or refusal to identify potentially extending time. Police need reasonable suspicion for an initial stop and probable cause for an arrest, with a judge determining if the detention is justified. 

What crimes do you not get bail for?

SEXUAL ASSAULT-TYPE OFFENSES - Penal Code section 290(c):

  • Kidnapping - 207 or 209 committed with intent to commit sexual assault (including 261 , 286, 287, 288, or 289 or former Section 288a).
  • Human Trafficking - 236.1(b) and (c).
  • Sexual Battery - 243.4.
  • Rape-261.

Why would you not be granted bail?

If there is no real prospect of a custodial sentence, the Court can only refuse to grant bail if: 1. There are substantial grounds to believe that if released on bail, the Defendant would commit an offence causing physical or mental injury to an associated person or cause them to fear such injury. 2.

On what grounds can bail be granted?

The court has the discretion to grant or refuse bail based on various factors, including the nature and gravity of the offense, the criminal history of the accused, and the possibility of the accused tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses.

When can bail be denied?

Giving examples from various cases, the former Chief Justice of India said that bail can be denied if there is a possibility of the accused returning to society and committing the crime again, tampering with evidence, or using the benefit of bail to escape the clutches of the law.

Can bail be reversed?

The court can revoke bail at any time if the defendant violates the conditions of their release. For example, if the defendant commits another crime or fails to appear in court, the judge may revoke bail and issue a bench warrant for their arrest.

What are the rules of being out on bail?

Common Bond Conditions: The Essentials to Know

  • Mandatory Court Appearances. One of the primary conditions of being out on bond is attending all scheduled court appearances. ...
  • Travel Restrictions. ...
  • Maintaining a Law-Abiding Lifestyle. ...
  • No Contact with Certain Individuals. ...
  • Compliance with Substance Abuse Testing.

What's the longest someone can be out on bail?

There's no set maximum time for bail; you can be out for weeks, months, or even years, as long as your criminal case is open and you follow all court conditions, like attending all your hearings. The length depends entirely on the court's schedule and case complexity, with more serious felony cases often taking much longer to resolve than misdemeanors.
 

What are some examples of exceptional circumstances?

Situations that qualify for exceptional circumstances

  • Bereavement through the death of a close relative, partner or close personal friend.
  • Serious short-term physical illness or injury; this includes sudden worsening or a flare-up of a chronic physical health issue.

What is the Section 71 bail Act?

Section 71 requires a bail application to be dealt with “as soon as reasonably practicable”. An application by an accused on their first appearance for a release or variation application in the substantive proceedings for an offence must be heard: s 72(1).