Overview
Assistance With Posting Bail Following Arrest for a Minor Offence

Members have peace of mind knowing we're available 24/7 to post bail on their behalf.

Recoveries: You won't need to worry about having funds on hand or being able to access them. We'll post bail of up to R3,000 for you.

Representation: Our expert team provides full administrative support throughout the process.

Typical Cases Covered:

• Road traffic offences, such as unpaid speeding fines
• Failure to appear in court for traffic offences
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Common assault
• Shoplifting or theft under R2,500
• Fraud, where the value involved doesn't exceed R2,500
• Illicit possession of marijuana, up to 115 grams
• Drinking in public
• Public disturbance

South Africa's justice system doesn't separate different types of offenders while awaiting trial. Rapists, murderers, and other dangerous criminals are held in the same cells as petty offenders, including those arrested for outstanding traffic fines or speeding. Spending a night behind bars is a frightening thought, especially when it's simply because you can't afford bail. That's exactly where Bail Protect steps in.

Bail Protect can be the difference between a night in a cell with hardened criminals or going home. This service covers the posting of bail after an arrest for a lesser offence. The Constitution guarantees your right to freedom and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and your right to be granted bail. Our service helps you exercise that right.

We have a team of qualified legal professionals ready to provide in-depth legal advice and guidance on your detention and your right to bail. Knowing that a team of lawyers is available 24/7 to guide you through this experience and post bail on your behalf brings real relief.

We provide up to R3,000 per year for posting bail. Please note, this service doesn't cover the bail application itself.

The Benefit:
As a Bail Protect member, you're entitled to assistance with posting bail after an arrest for a minor offence. This includes access to our 24/7, 365-day Call Centre staffed by qualified lawyers, comprehensive legal advice on your rights regarding arrest and bail, and we'll contact your family to let them know about your arrest and your bail benefit.

Who May Be Assisted?

• The main member and their dependents
• Dependents include a spouse and children under 18
• Children aged 18 to 25 can be assisted if they're still studying at a tertiary institution
• Spouses and children must be named during registration to qualify for assistance

Cases Supported:

• Contempt of court
• Road traffic offences
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Reckless and negligent driving
• Common assault
• Theft where the value is R3,000 or less
• Fraud where the value is R3,000 or less
• Possession of drugs
• Public drinking
• Public violence

Who May Benefit?

• Bail Protect members and/or beneficiaries, provided membership fees are paid and up to date

Claim Procedure
Contact our Call Centre and provide your case details. When claiming, please have the following ready:

• Membership number or South African ID number, for verification
• Case number
• Type of charge
• Bail amount set
• Contact details for the relevant police station or court
• Account details for the bail money deposit

What We'll Do When You Claim:

• Verify your arrest and bail details with the officer in charge
• Confirm the bail deposit into the nominated bank account
• Contact your spouse or partner about the bail assistance, if requested
• Ensure funds are deposited within 4 hours of claim approval
• Follow up on your matter through to finalisation
• Advise you on any issues relating to your arrest and bail

Bail money can be paid via EFT to a nominated account, or alternatively, we can assist with delivery of the funds.

Your Obligations:

• Send us the original bail receipt within 24 hours of your release
• If you miss this deadline (via registered mail or courier), a R300 penalty fee applies
• Adhere to the bail conditions set for you
• If you don't comply with your bail conditions and we're unable to recover the bail amount, you'll be liable for it, along with any related recovery costs we incur
• Non-compliance with the above may result in future claims being rejected

Matters Excluded From Assistance

We won't provide assistance where you're charged with:

• Treason
• Child pornography
• Child abuse and/or neglect
• Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• Robbery (armed or with aggravating circumstances)
• Dealing in drugs
• Murder or attempted murder
• Rape
• Subversion
• Sabotage
• Any crime classified under Part II or Part III of Schedule 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977

We also won't assist where:

• The charge relates to an incident outside South Africa
• The matter isn't listed among the supported incidents above
• The bail amount exceeds the R3,000 maximum
• Bail exceeds R3,000 and you're unable to cover the difference
• You've previously had a claim where you didn't meet the required conditions and we were unable to recover the bail money