The first hours matter
An arrest is frightening, for the person in the holding cells and for the family trying to help from outside. What happens in the first hours matters. Getting an experienced attorney involved early protects your rights and can make the difference between waiting in custody and going home on bail.
VDW Attorneys provides criminal defence across the Vaal Triangle, from bail applications, including 24-hour and after-hours bail assistance, through to trial in the Magistrates Court and the High Court.
How we can help
- Bail applications. Including 24-hour and after-hours bail assistance when an arrest happens outside office hours.
- Criminal defence. Representation from the first court appearance through to trial.
- Drunk driving. Defence in drunk driving and related traffic matters.
- First appearances. Attendance at first appearances and remand hearings, so nobody faces the court alone.
- Advice on your rights. Clear advice on the charges, your rights and your options before you say anything.
- Trials. Trial representation in the Magistrates Court and the High Court.
What to expect
- Call us immediately. For bail matters, call 083 564 3793 at any hour. Tell us who was arrested, where they are being held and what the charge is, as far as you know it.
- We get to work. We make contact with the investigating officer, advise on the options for bail and arrange representation at the bail hearing or police station as the matter requires.
- We plan the defence. Once bail is dealt with, we go through the charges and the evidence with you and advise honestly on the strongest way to approach the case.
Frequently asked questions
What is bail and how does it work?
Bail is a sum of money paid to secure a person's release from custody while their case is ongoing, on condition that they attend court and comply with any conditions set. It is not a fine and it is not an admission of guilt. Whether bail is granted, and the amount, depends on the offence and the person's circumstances.
Can bail be arranged after hours or on weekends?
In some cases, yes. For certain less serious offences the police can grant bail at the police station, and in limited circumstances a prosecutor can authorise release before the first court appearance. For other offences bail must be dealt with in court. We assist after hours and will tell you immediately which route applies.
What should I do if a family member is arrested?
Stay calm and find out where they are being detained and what the charge is. Advise them not to make any statement before speaking to an attorney, and contact us as soon as possible. The sooner an attorney is involved, the sooner bail can be addressed.
What happens at a first court appearance?
The charges are put on record and the matter is usually postponed for further investigation or for a bail application. The accused does not plead at this stage in most cases. It is an important appearance, because bail and conditions of release are often decided here.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every matter is different. Speak to an attorney about your specific circumstances.