Bail Period
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE BAIL PERIOD?
Participants will be involved in all aspects of the MERIT program as agreed to by both the defendant and the Case Manager.
- Clients will abide by all conditions of the bail and the MERIT Client Undertaking.
- Clients will have the support and guidance of their MERIT Case Manager.
- Clients will be required to appear before the Magistrate during this period, as the Magistrate hearing the case will require an update on treatment progress.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROGRAM CONDITIONS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH DURING THE BAIL PERIOD?
Overall, the situation will be considered by the Case Manager and some discretion can be used. However, the Court will be notified if clients:
- Fail to attend scheduled appointments as agreed with the Case Manager.
- Commit further offences.
- Do not comply with the bail conditions.
Community protection is central to the MERIT process and defendants who continue to re-offend whilst in the program will be subject to breach action or other action to ensure a cessation of their criminal actions.
Failure to respond to a drug treatment program will not be dealt with by punitive measures. If convicted of the offence(s) as charged, any penalty will relate to that offence only, and not to any failure to respond to treatment.