What happens to the accused?
Soon after the arrest, the accused (now called the defendant) is taken before a judge who explains the charges contained in the complaint. The judge is required to set an amount of bail and advise the defendant of his rights. The sole legal purpose of bail is to guarantee the defendant's appearance in court for later proceedings. It is allowed in virtually all cases, including felonies.
In setting the amount of bail, the judge is required to consider not only the seriousness of the offense, but also the defendant's ability to raise the necessary money. If the defendant cannot post the bail, he remains in custody and is normally transferred to the county jail to await further action in the case. Bail may not be set so high to punish a defendant by keeping him in jail pending his trial.

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1. How is an arrest made?
2. What happens to the accused?
3. How does my case get to your office for prosecution?
4. What does a Grand Jury Do?
5. What is a Pre-Trial Hearing?
6. What happens when the case goes to trial?
7. What happens during judgment, sentencing and appeal?
8. Why might a case not go to trial?
9. Should I talk to an Investigator or Defense Attorney about the case?
10. How are witnesses called for trial?
11. What do I do at the Trial?
12. Can I be compensated for being a witness?
13. When can I have my property back?