A bail hearing is a court proceeding where a judge or justice of the peace decides whether you will be released from custody while your criminal charges are pending.

If you are released on bail, the court may impose conditions such as reporting to a bail supervisor, residing at a specific address, obeying a curfew, or avoiding contact with certain people. Your lawyer will argue for the least onerous conditions to ensure your life is disrupted as little as possible while you await your trial.

The unfortunate reality in Toronto (and elsewhere in Ontario) is that it is uncommon for individuals to obtain a bail hearing the same day they are arrested. At Doyle Criminal Defence we understand the importance of prompt bail and will attempt to negotiate your release on consent or otherwise push for your bail to be heard without delay.

If you were denied bail, or if your conditions are too strict or unworkable, you can bring an application to the Superior Court of Justice, asking a new judge to reconsider the decision made at your original bail hearing. A bail review gives you a second chance to seek release or adjust your terms. To succeed, your lawyer must usually show that there was an error in the initial decision or that your circumstances have changed in a way that justifies a new outcome.