Police-station bail
After an arrest, we can attend the police station, gather the necessary information and assess whether police bail may be available in your circumstances.
Explore police bailCape Town · Emergency bail assistance
Bail lawyers in Cape Town.
Here when freedom matters.
Someone you care about has been arrested. You need clear advice, decisive action and a criminal lawyer who knows the bail process.
Police-station and court bail assistance across Cape Town and the Peninsula, including after-hours enquiries.
All-hours emergency contact 30 years' specialist criminal-law experience
Experienced legal support
A difficult moment deserves
calm, capable guidance.
When someone is detained, uncertainty affects the whole family. Our work is to explain the available bail options, act promptly and prepare the strongest application the circumstances and evidence permit.
From urgent enquiries at a police station to a contested court hearing, André Kirsten Attorneys provides personal, practical criminal-law assistance throughout Cape Town.
See how we can helpOur bail services
Where urgent
assistance begins
Prosecutor bail
Certain offences require a prosecutor to consider bail. We assist with preparing the relevant facts and navigating the appropriate procedure.
Understand prosecutor bailCourt bail applications
Where court proceedings are required, we prepare submissions and appear to motivate for release, addressing the issues relevant to the bail enquiry.
See the bail processPractical support
The right help,
when it is needed
All-hours emergency bail enquiries
Arrests do not follow office hours. Our published emergency number is available day and night for urgent bail enquiries across the Cape Town area.
Call the emergency lineAdvice for families and loved ones
We explain what bail means, which authority may consider it, what information can help and how to prepare for the next stage without unnecessary confusion.
Common bail questionsUnderstanding bail
Good preparation
changes the conversation
Bail is not automatic. A decision-maker considers factors such as the charge, the accused's personal circumstances, ties to the community and concerns about attendance at court or interference with the investigation.
You need more than an application form
Effective representation begins with understanding the allegations and collecting reliable information. We help identify which form of bail may be considered and what needs to be placed before the police, prosecutor or court.
Clear advice, before important decisions
We explain the procedure and potential conditions in language you can understand, and assist clients and families through the paperwork and payment steps if bail is granted.
Read the full bail application processYour criminal defence attorney
André Kirsten
Experience on both sides of the courtroom
André Kirsten's background includes work as a prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority and as a criminal defence practitioner at Legal Aid South Africa, before establishing his own practice.
The firm describes 30 years of specialist criminal-law experience, including contested court proceedings, bail applications and matters involving a wide range of criminal allegations.
Personal attention. Practical direction.
In an arrest situation, the priority is to understand the facts, assess the available bail route and put forward a properly prepared application. You can expect clear explanations and direct communication throughout the process.
Practice area: Cape Town, Bellville and the surrounding Peninsula.
More about André
The bail journey
Four steps towards
a clearer way forward
- 01
Make contact
Call our emergency number. Tell us who has been arrested, where they are being held and what is known about the charge.
- 02
Assess the options
We obtain relevant information and consider whether police bail, prosecutor bail or a court application is appropriate.
- 03
Prepare and appear
We help gather supporting details, prepare the application and make representations to the appropriate authority.
- 04
Guide the next stage
If bail is granted, we explain the conditions, payment process and obligations for future court appearances.
Important to understand
Bail is not a
guaranteed outcome.
The nature of the alleged offence, the available evidence and the personal circumstances of the arrested person affect whether bail can be granted and on what conditions. Each matter calls for an individual assessment.
The bail amount fixed by the police or court is not the same thing as an attorney's professional fee. We can explain these separate considerations when you contact us.
01
Eligibility
Which authority may lawfully consider release?
02
Information
What relevant facts can support an application?
03
Conditions
What obligations might follow if bail is granted?
Questions, answered
What families often ask
Can you help with bail after hours?
Yes. The firm publishes an all-hours emergency contact number for urgent bail enquiries, including matters arising outside ordinary office hours. Call 072 604 5324.
Is every arrested person eligible for police bail?
No. Eligibility depends on the alleged offence and the applicable legal requirements. In some circumstances a prosecutor or court must consider bail instead.
What information should I have ready?
Useful starting points include the arrested person's full name, the police station or place of detention, the nature of the alleged offence if known, and a reliable contact number for the family.
Does paying bail mean the case is over?
No. Bail ordinarily allows release while criminal proceedings continue. The person must comply with any imposed bail conditions and attend court when required.
We are here to assist
Speak to a bail lawyer
before the next step.
Call for urgent assistance or send a message outlining the situation. We will help you understand the available options and what to do next.
Bail depends on the law and the facts. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.