What You Need to Know About the Bail and Remand Court (BaRC)

Have you ever wondered what happens if you are arrested by police and placed into custody at night? The mainstream courts are closed for the day, but you may still be eligible for bail – what do you do?

In the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, there is the Bail and Remand Court (BaRC):

• BaRC specifically handles afterhours bail applications and remand proceedings
• It runs seven days a week until 9pm, providing an opportunity for people charged in the afternoon/at night to be able to contact their lawyer and have a bail application organised on their behalf
• If a BaRC session is obtained – police bring clients (from where they are arrested) to the hearing in Melbourne.

BaRC was introduced in April 2018 and expands on the night and weekend court operations that were introduced in January 2017 following the Bourke Street incident. It was within days of this event, that bail laws were reviewed and that the Magistrates’ Court introduced a Night Court to hear bail requests over weekends and afterhours.

An important factor in implementing a Night Court is to ensure that Magistrates are available to hear after-hours bail applications also, rather than placing the entire responsibility on Bail Justices.

BaRC creates a more efficient process for clients who are brought before court in custody. Specifically, this court provides greater access for people who are arrested to first appear before the court. If your matter can be heard through BaRC and you are ultimately granted bail, this ensures that individuals are not left in custody in a state of uncertainty while awaiting their court date. BaRC also provides access to legal representation as well as assessments for bail support services.

At Nelson Brown Legal we are specialists in BaRC and have the expertise and experience to deal with your matter, especially considering we offer 24/7 availability. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and expert legal advice.

*Image from iStock.

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