What this involves
Speed matters here more than in most matters, especially around a bail hearing. Tell us below and, if this is urgent, say so — we will treat it accordingly.
An arrested person must be brought to court within 48 hours (subject to court hours and weekends), and bail can often be applied for at that first appearance — for Schedule 5 and 6 offences the onus shifts to the accused to show why release is justified, which is why early, specific legal representation at the bail stage matters.
Beyond bail, we handle the full trial process: consulting on your version of events, requesting and reviewing the docket, cross-examining state witnesses, and where appropriate negotiating a plea and sentence agreement under section 105A.
If you are only being investigated and have not yet been charged, we can also advise on your rights during a police interview and whether to exercise your right to silence, before matters escalate to an arrest.
How long does it take?
Bail applications are usually heard within days of arrest. The trial itself, from first appearance to verdict, commonly runs 6 to 18 months depending on court rolls and complexity.
What will it cost?
R7 500 to R15 000 excl. VAT
Covers: The bail stage: consultation, docket review and a bail application. A trial is quoted separately.
Based on 5 to 10 hours of Attorney time at our rate of R1 500 per hour, excluding VAT.
This is an estimate, not a quote. The final fee depends on the facts and how complex your matter turns out to be, and your Attorney confirms it in writing before work starts. Court fees, sheriff’s fees, counsel and other disbursements are charged separately.
Ask for a firm quoteThis page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. See our Disclaimer.