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Released on bail, what happens next?

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Being released on bail is an important step in a criminal investigation or court case, but it is not the end of the process. Whether bail was granted by the police or the court, you will usually be required to follow certain conditions while your case continues.

These conditions can restrict where you go, who you speak to, or what you are allowed to do, and breaching them can lead to serious consequences, including arrest.

It is important that you understand the conditions of your bail and what legal options you have moving forward. At JD Spicer Zeb, we provide clear, practical guidance to help you manage this stage of your case.

This page will outline what happens once you have been released on bail and what the process involves.

Please note that the following article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you need legal support with being released on bail, please get in touch, and our team can advise you.

What does it mean to be released on bail?

Being out on bail means you are allowed to remain out of custody while the police continue their investigation or until your court date. Bail can be granted either by the police after arrest or by the court if you have been charged.

It may be granted unconditionally or with specific conditions, such as living at a certain address, reporting regularly to a police station, being unable to leave the country or avoiding contact with certain people.

If you breach these conditions or fail to attend court when required, you risk being arrested and potentially remanded in custody until your case is resolved.

What happens after bail?

After being released on bail, several outcomes are possible depending on the stage of your case.

If police bail is granted while investigations continue, you may be required to return to the station at a later date.

You could be charged, released without further action, or bailed again with or without conditions.

If you have been granted court bail, you must attend all future hearings. During this time, you are expected to comply strictly with any bail conditions. Failure to do so could result in arrest and the risk of being remanded in custody.

What can I do on unconditional bail versus conditional bail?

Unconditional bail allows you to live freely while awaiting further action, with no specific restrictions placed on your daily activities.

You can work, travel within the UK, and go about your normal life, provided you attend your scheduled court or police appointments.

Conditional bail, on the other hand, comes with specific terms you must follow, such as a curfew, reporting to a police station, avoiding certain individuals or locations, or surrendering your passport.

The conditions of your bail will often be specific to the circumstances of your case.

What happens if you breach bail conditions?

If you breach your bail conditions, the consequences can be serious. The police may arrest you and bring you back into custody. You could be held in custody until your next court hearing, and the court may decide to revoke your bail altogether.

Breaching bail conditions can also negatively affect how your case is viewed and may result in additional charges.

Even if the breach seems minor, it will be treated seriously by the courts. It is essential to comply fully with all bail conditions to avoid further legal complications.

What happens when you return to the police station after bail?

When you return to the police station after release on bail, you may be interviewed again, charged with an offence, or released either on further bail or without charge.

The police may have used the time you were released on bail to gather more evidence or consult the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

If you are charged, you will be given a date to appear in court. If no further action is taken, your case may be closed.

It is important to attend your bail date as required, as failure to do so could lead to arrest and potentially more serious legal consequences.

Fees and funding

We are always clear and upfront when it comes to legal fees.

If you are required to attend court for an offence, you may be eligible for Legal Aid. Whether you can access Legal Aid will depend on whether the grant of public funding is justified on a means and interest of justice basis.

Where you do not qualify for Legal Aid, the alternative will be to fund the case on a private basis.       

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

Contact our criminal defence solicitors today

If you are due to attend the police station, require any urgent specialist advice, or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact our dedicated criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you quickly.

24/7 legal representation

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide a prompt, friendly response.