In the State of Maryland, a bail review is a legal proceeding in which a Defendant who has been denied bail by a District Court Commissioner can request a review of his or her bail status before a judge in the District Court. The purpose of a bail review is to determine whether the initial bail determination was appropriate and to consider any new information that may have become available since the original bail determination.

At a bail review hearing, the judge will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether to modify the Defendant’s bail.  These factors may include the Defendant’s criminal history, the nature and seriousness of the charges, the Defendant’s ties to the community, whether the Defendant presents a danger to anyone, whether the Defendant presents a flight risk, and any other relevant information.

If the judge determines that the initial bail determination was inappropriate or if new information justifies a change in the Defendant’s bail status, the judge may modify the bail or release the Defendant on his or her own recognizance (i.e., without the need for bail). If the judge upholds the original bail determination, the Defendant will remain in custody pending trial or until they are able to post bail.