A first appearance hearing* is the first time a person appears before a judge after being arrested. Decisions made here influence how the person’s case will progress, starting with whether to release them pending the resolution of the case or to hold them until a later detention hearing. The person’s liberty, community safety and well-being, fairness, and the efficiency of court and jail resources are at stake. These hearings must meet constitutional requirements and other fundamental legal principles and should adhere to best practices established by leading national groups.
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