What is bail typically used for?

Bail is typically used to secure a defendant's appearance in court. The primary purpose is to ensure that individuals who are released from custody will return for their scheduled court dates. By providing a financial incentive—where the defendant or someone on their behalf pays a certain amount to the court—the system aims to minimize the risk of individuals fleeing or failing to appear. If the defendant attends all necessary court proceedings, the bail amount is usually returned at the conclusion of the case, reflecting the system's reliance on this financial commitment to uphold the judicial process.

Other options might touch on related aspects of the legal process, but they do not capture the fundamental role of bail, which is specifically about ensuring that the defendant appears in court as required.