What is a Show Cause Hearing?

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

When a person is arrested and taken into custody, many processes take place among the police station, the prosecution office, and the judge. After an offender is processed into the jails database (a process known as booking – fingerprints, mugshot, etc.), they are given the opportunity to post bail. For minor offenses, bail schedules are already in place in most states. This means there is no need to hold a court hearing for a judge to set bail.

However, for more serious offenses and habitual offenders, a bail hearing is scheduled for a judge to decide how much to set their bail at, or whether to set one at all. Bail hearings are generally held within the first 36 to 48 hours of arrest, but interestingly enough, the term “bail hearing” is not actually used in our state’s criminal code. Instead, the term “show cause hearing” is used, and “bail hearing” is a colloquial term used interchangeably in its place.

Show Cause for Release or Detainment

A show cause hearing is the same thing as a bail hearing. The term comes from the purpose of the hearing, which is the prosecution and defense to argue why a defendant should be detained or released prior to their criminal trial. Each side must “show cause” for their argument, and at the end, a judge ultimately decides the defendant’s release.

Held for Show Cause

So if you call the jail to locate a friend or loved one who has been arrested, and the police officer informs you that they are “being held for show cause”, it simply means that their offense or priors do not make them automatically eligible for bail, and a bail hearing has been set for them in the next few days to determine the possibility of their release. A licensed bail bondsman can answer any questions you have about arranging bail after a show cause hearing.

Get Out of Jail in Indiana – FAST!

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to learn the whereabouts of your recently arrested friend or loved one in Indiana. Owner and licensed Indianapolis bail bondsman, James Woods, has a full team of licensed, insured, and bonded agents that serve in over 30 Indiana counties. Regardless of time or day, we are always on duty to take your call and obtain a fast and secure release from various county jails across Indiana. Call our Indianapolis headquarters at 317-876-9600 for a free estimate or information, anytime.