SUERITY; Will i Be Imprisoned if i Stand as Suerity for an Accused Person to be Released on Bail and the Accused Skips Court and Runs Away ❓.

Sebaduka was arrested and presented to court for beating his neighbour Sula. He managed to convince the court to release him on bail. Sebaduka's brother Masaka and their mother assured court that they would bring him back at the next court date. However, when it was time for the court to hear his case, Sebaduka was nowhere to be seen. Masaka is now wondering what this means for him and their old mother who stood surety for him. will they be imprisoned for the crime of assault that Sebaduka committed? 

WHAT IS BAIL? 

Bail is the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court. By law, an accused person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, so he/she has a right to apply to be released on bail while their case is heard.

To be granted bail, the courts usually require that there is a person who can guarantee to court that the accused will turn up for his or her trial if released on bail. That person must accept the responsibility to pay a fixed sum of money to government if the accused does not appear. He or she must be an adult of sound mind and of good standing in society. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ACCUSED SKIPS BAIL? 

When one skips bail, the court may issue an arrest warrant in respect to them. This is an order for the accused to be arrested. If the accused is not found, then the sureties are held accountable since they were guaranteed court that the accused would meet all the bail conditions. If there is any bond amount to be paid, the surety or sureties will be the ones to pay it.

Furthermore, skipping bail reduces your chances of being granted bail the next time you try to apply for the same. Fulfilling your bail conditions is in your best interest.

📷: Uganda Prisons Services

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