Bailor eligibility and duties

Who is a bailor

A bailor is a person who pledges security, in the form of cash or personal property, to ensure that an accused person complies with the directions of the court. There can be multiple bailors for the same accused.

Once a bailor has posted bail, the accused will be released from remand until their case concludes or bail is revoked (for example, if the accused breaches a condition of bail).

Bailor eligibility

You may apply to be a bailor if you meet the following criteria:

• A Singapore citizen or permanent resident.
• 21 years and above.
• Not a declared bankrupt.
• Not facing criminal charges.
• Not an active bailer in other court matters.
• Physically, mentally and financially fit to accept bailor duties.
• Prepared to accept bailor duties until the accused's case is over.
• Able to pledge security in cash or in personal properties for the bail amount ordered by the court until the accused's case concludes.

Even if you meet the above criteria, your eligibility to be a bailor is still subject to the court's discretion. For example, your application may be rejected if the court does not believe that you are able to secure the accused's attendance for all court hearings.

The court may also impose certain restrictions on who can post bail. For example, only a parent or legal guardian may post bail for a youth offender.

What a bailor must do

As a bailor, you are responsible for ensuring the accused does not breach their bail conditions while out on bail. You are also expected to carry out the following duties, mentioned in the bail documents when posting bail:

• Keep in daily communication with the accused.
• Make a police report within 24 hours if you lose contact with the accused.
• Ensure the accused does not leave Singapore unless permitted by the court.
• Ensure the accused is available for investigations or attends court hearings whenever required.
• Ensure the accused follows any other court bail conditions.

If the accused jumps bail, their bail will be revoked and they will be placed in remand. You will also be called to court to explain whether you made reasonable efforts to carry out your duties as a bailor. In the event the court does not find that you have valid explanations, you may lose your money or property pledged as security for bail.