What is the purpose of a First Appearance?
A. The purpose of the First Appearance is for a judge to advise the defendant of the charge(s); determine whether the police had probable cause to make the arrest and deprive a citizen of their civil rights; address the issue of counsel, and, if applicable, set conditions of pre-trial release from jail. At the hearing, the judge sets conditions of release to ensure the defendant’s presence at future court hearings and to protect the community. The conditions are based on the charges, the defendant’s ties to the community, prior criminal history, and other relevant facts. It may be important for the defendant to have his family, friends or employer speak on his behalf. The same issues are addressed before the Court at a Bond Hearing, the main difference being that the Bond Hearing is typically conducted before the judge that will have ultimate jurisdiction over the case.
