Bail
Hopkins Law is one of Edmonton’s top criminal defence firms. We are experienced trial lawyers who put your interests first. We represent clients at all levels of court, and can assist you with trials, appeals, guilty pleas, bail and bail reviews.
Bail Lawyers – Edmonton & surrounding area
587-414-6851 *available 24/7
Hopkins Law – Criminal Lawyers
Edmonton: 11051 97 Street #101
If you are charged with a crime, getting bail is your first priority. At Hopkins Law, we are available by phone 24/7. If you are arrested, you can call us at any time, and we will quickly prepare to speak to your release. We will help you put together a solid release plan to maximize your chances of getting out, with the least restrictive conditions possible. We have an excellent track record for getting our clients bail, even when they are charged with serious offences.
You have just been arrested—what happens next?
If you have just been arrested, it is possible the police will release you on a Promise to Appear. You will not have to speak to bail, but you will have a sign a promise to attend court. Police may also release you on an undertaking or a recognizance—basically a promise to appear with conditions attached. It is very important that you understand all of your conditions, since you can be criminally charged for breaching them.
If the police are opposed to your release, you will need to speak to bail. From the time of your arrest, the police have 24 hours to bring you in front of a Justice of a Peace (JP for short.) If you are arrested in Edmonton, you will likely be taken to the Detainee Management Unit. You will probably need to spend the night before you get the chance to speak to bail.
JP bail hearings usually take place over the phone. The Crown Prosecutor, your lawyer and the JP will make a conference call. The prosecutor will explain why he or she is opposed to your bail. Your lawyer will make the case for why you should get bail and explain what your release plan is. The JP has the ultimate say.
Sometimes it is best for you to wait to speak to bail in court. The down side of this approach is that you have to wait until your next court date. The upside is that your lawyer will have more information to work with, and will often have a better chance of getting you bail. It depends on your priorities, but keep in mind that if you are denied bail, it can take awhile to set up a bail review. It is often better to wait until your lawyer can make the best possible case for your release. It is never recommended that you speak to bail by yourself.
If you are denied bail, your lawyer can apply to a superior court to have the decision reviewed. However, bail reviews are not the same thing as brand new bail hearings—they can only be successful if there is a change in circumstance since your last bail hearing. If your first bail review is not successful, you will need to wait at least 30 days before your second bail review.
Common Questions:
How much money will I need for bail?
This depends on your record and the type of crime you are charged with. Often, you will not need to put up any money at all. However, it is important to think about how much you can afford, since cash can be a useful tool in securing your release.
What kind of bail conditions can I expect?
There are standard conditions like “keep the peace and be of good behaviour”—this basically means you promise to keep out of trouble. You may also be required to report to probation or observe a curfew. If you are charged with a domestic assault, there will be a mandatory “no contact” condition. These can be extremely difficult to deal with since the complainant is often a spouse or family member. Your lawyer can help you with amending release conditions, but it is very important that you do not breach them in the meantime. Prosecutors usually ask for jail if you are caught breaching a no contact order.
When will I get to speak to bail?
You will speak to bail in front of a Justice of the Peace within 24 hours of your arrest. Sometimes it is better to wait to speak to bail in court. Your lawyer will explain the costs and benefits of waiting to speak to bail, and help you make an informed decision.
If you want the best possible chance at bail, you need the help of an experienced lawyer. At Hopkins Law, we are highly experienced at putting together comprehensive release plans that will maximize your chances. We will give you honest, straightforward advice that you can rely on—even if it’s not what you want to hear at first. Remember that it can be important to get all of your ducks in a row, and this can mean waiting to speak to bail until the right moment. You can count on us to give you reliable advice that takes your priorities into consideration, while also keeping your best interests at heart.
Bail Lawyers – Edmonton & surrounding area
587-414-6851 *available 24/7
Hopkins Law – Criminal Lawyers
Edmonton: 11051 97 Street #101
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