What is a bail hearing?

After the arrest of an accused person, the police may hold the accused for what is called a bail hearing or a show cause hearing. This hearing leaves the Court to determine if the accused person could be released before the trial. They will base their decision on the arguments of both the Crown lawyer and the accused person’s lawyer. Usually, the accused person is brought to the bail hearing in handcuffs.

It helps the accused person if they have friends or family members who can act as sureties–people who can supervise the accused up until the trial is resolved. Usually, the surety will have to pledge an amount of money for the release of the accused.