What is the primary purpose of a bail hearing?

The primary purpose of a bail hearing is to determine whether a defendant will be granted bail and at what amount. During this hearing, the judge assesses various factors including the nature of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. The outcome of the hearing directly influences whether the defendant can await trial in the community or must remain in custody.

While understanding the charges against the defendant is essential, the bail hearing itself does not focus on resolving those charges; instead, it centers around the conditions of release before trial. Assessing the character of the defendant or evaluating witness credibility may play a role in broader legal proceedings, but these elements are not the focus of a bail hearing. The main objective is to establish appropriate bail terms to ensure the defendant appears for future court dates while balancing public safety and the defendant's rights.