If you have been arrested for a minor offence and you have been detained in custody, the arresting officer may give you the chance to sign an admission of guilt and pay a fine. This takes the place of a court appearance. It is not the same as bail, which is a sum of money you pay to be released from custody until you stand trial. With an admission of guilt, you admit you are guilty of the charge and pay a fine, and you are set free. There is no trial in court.
Simon Dippenaar
https://www.sdlaw.co.zaCape Town attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.
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