What happens at a bail hearing?
A person, also known as a defendant, is brought before a magistrate when an arrest warrant has been issued for violation of a criminal law. The magistrate will conduct a pre-trial bail hearing resulting in four possible results. An arraignment is held later by a judge. The four possible results from the bail hearing are as follows: • Recognizance – This is the defendant´s written promise to appear in court on the date set and abide by the terms set by the magistrate. No monetary pledge, cash deposit or security by property or professional bondsman is required. • Unsecured Bond – This release pending court appearance is based on the defendant´s written agreement to appear in court on the date set and abide by the conditions set by the magistrate. It is backed by an agreement by the defendant to forfeit money to the court if she or he does not appear in court on the date set. • Secured Bond – This is secured by either a cash deposit, a pledge of real or personal property, or a pledge by
