What is the main function of a first appearance hearing?

The main function of a first appearance hearing is to assess the sufficiency of probable cause for detention. During this hearing, a judge reviews the circumstances of the arrest to determine whether there is adequate cause to detain the defendant before any formal charges are filed or further legal proceedings occur. This is a critical step in ensuring that an individual is not held without justification, thereby upholding the legal principle of due process.

At this stage, the judge might also inform the defendant of their rights and the charges they face, but the primary focus is on whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant continued detention. This ensures that individuals are not unfairly held in custody without valid legal reasons. Thus, the first appearance hearing serves to protect the rights of the defendant while also affirming the legal requirements for detention.