How families can offer support for a bail application| Criminal Lawyers Melbourne Explain
When someone you love is arrested in Victoria and facing the possibility of prison, it can be overwhelming. But your support during this time can make a real difference. In many cases, the active involvement of family members can strengthen a bail application and help tip the balance in favour of bail being granted.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, our experienced criminal lawyers in Melbourne work closely with families every day to build strong and persuasive bail applications. Here’s how you can play an active role and give your loved one the best chance of release
1. Offer a Suitable Bail Address
The proposed address is one of the first things the court considers in a bail application. A strong bail address should be:
Stable
Safe
Long-term
With family or someone who has an established relationship with the accused
The court will ask about:
Who lives at the address
Whether anyone has a criminal history or pending charges
How long you have lived there
Your relationship to the accused
Whether you understand any treatment needs (such as drug or alcohol issues)
Your evidence about the address and your support can help reassure the court that the accused has stability outside of custody.
2. Provide a surety (financial guarantee)
A surety is a financial promise that you will forfeit money if the accused fails to attend court.
This can be provided as:
A cash deposit, or
Equity secured against property
Sureties demonstrate:
Strong family support
Community ties
Incentives for the accused to comply with bail
Note: Providing surety carries risk: if the accused absconds or re-offends, police or the DPP can apply to forfeit your surety.
3. Help gather supporting materials
The more evidence we can present to support the accused’s ties to the community and prospects of rehabilitation, the better.
You can assist by collecting documents such as:
- Medical records or letters from treating professionals
- Proof of employment or support from an employer confirming a job awaits
- Evidence of family responsibilities (e.g., childcare obligations)
- Support letters from friends, family, or community leaders
The more material we can provide, the stronger the application.
4. Assist with residential rehabilitation applications
Where drug or alcohol treatment is relevant, a plan for residential rehabilitation can be a persuasive reason for bail to be granted.
Families can help by:
Supporting the assessment and intake process
Covering costs associated with entry into rehab
Working with the lawyer to confirm availability and readiness for treatment
This shows the court there is a structured plan for recovery.
5. Show up – Your Presence Matters
Your presence at court, whether in person or online, makes a difference. Even if you don’t speak, the magistrate or judge sees that the accused has family support, accountability, and stability outside custody.
This visible backing reinforces the idea that bail conditions will be respected.
Work With Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne
Supporting a loved one through a bail application doesn’t mean you need to handle the process alone. At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we’ll guide you through every step, from preparing documents to advising on surety, rehabilitation, and court appearances.
Your support could be the key to bringing your loved one home while they wait for trial.
Contact Emma Turnbull Lawyers today for expert advice from Melbourne’s leading criminal defence and bail application specialists.
