What is the purpose of bail in a criminal proceeding?

Bail serves the specific purpose of assuring that an individual accused of a crime will appear for future court proceedings. When a judge sets bail, they are essentially agreeing to release the accused from custody while requiring them to return to court for scheduled hearings or trials. The amount of bail is intended to reflect the seriousness of the offense and the flight risk posed by the accused. By imposing bail, the court aims to balance the rights of the accused to be presumed innocent and to avoid unnecessary detention, while also ensuring that the judicial process can proceed without disruption caused by absconding individuals.

The options that focus on custody, determining guilt or innocence, or victim compensation address different aspects of the criminal justice process rather than the primary function of bail, which centers on ensuring compliance with court appearances.