The decision is up to the magistrate/ judge to give cash or non-cash bail basing on the circumstances surrounding the case.

However, this may depend on:

• The seriousness of the offence. For example, violent crimes may attract a lot of money in cash bail costs.
• Public interest.
• Simple offences are usually granted with non-cash bail.
• The estimated worth of the case, for example, a case of theft, the bigger the amount stolen, the more money is required for cash bail.

• A responsible person in society.
• One without a criminal record.
• One with a home and has been staying in that place for more than 6 months. The home should be able to be traced.
• Aged 21 years and above.
• One of sound mind (no mental problem)
• One who is able to supervise and make the accused person appear in court for trial.
• One who is respectable and of good behaviour.
• It is important to be well dressed.

• For simple offences, the accused person can ask for bail by word of mouth from the trial magistrate and the request will be accepted or rejected there and then. you do not necessarily need a lawyer.
• For serious offences, by making a written bail application to the high court. It is better than this application be made by a lawyer.
• It is the court which decides on when to hear the bail application.