What happens at a bail hearing?

At a bail hearing or arraignment, the Crown – a government lawyer appointed to prosecute the accused – reads the police synopsis detailing the allegations to the court. A witness or witnesses attend the hearing to testify. Often, the police officer in charge of the investigation is the witness. Once the Crown presents the allegations, the duty counsel or the lawyer of the accused will present the court with evidence. When the evidence has been presented, the judge or justice of peace arrives at a final decision to either release the accused on bail or retain them in jail until the trial or until another outcome transpires – dropped charges or a guilty plea.