Bail

The person who provides this guarantee is known as the bailor or surety. Their role is to make sure the accused fulfils all obligations, including attending every court mention or hearing. Depending on the case, bail can be furnished through a cash deposit or personal property, generally up to a value of SGD $15,000. The bail amount cannot belong to the accused.

In some situations, instead of bail, the authorities may allow release on a personal bond, which does not require payment but still binds the accused to appear when called upon. Generally, the bailor must be a Singapore citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident who meets the necessary qualifications. Lawyers are not permitted to post bail on behalf of an accused person, nor can they act as a bailor.

A person wishing to stand as a bailor in Singapore will typically need to satisfy the following conditions:

• Must be a Singapore citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (unless the Court specifies otherwise).
• Must be 21 years old or above.
• Must not be a bankrupt (i.e., must not be a declared bankrupt).
• Must not be facing any criminal charges.
• Must be physically, mentally and financially fit to perform the duties of a bailor.
• Must be prepared to act as bailor until the accused’s case concludes (unless discharged by the Court).
• Must be able to pledge security (in the form of cash or personal property) for the bail amount as ordered by the Court.
• Even if you meet all of the above, the Court retains discretion to approve or reject the bailor’s application (for example, if they believe the bailor may not ensure the accused’s attendance at hearings).

There may be other bail conditions imposed on the accused. If you or someone you know has been arrested and needs to get bail in Singapore, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities early. Working with our experienced criminal defence team can help you navigate the process confidently and avoid mistakes that could affect your case.