A bail hearing is a legal proceeding where a judge decides whether a person accused of a crime can be released from custody before their trial. During this hearing, the judge considers factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and the likelihood of them fleeing. The purpose of a bail hearing is to balance the rights of the accused with public safety. If granted bail, the defendant may need to pay a certain amount of money or meet specific conditions, such as regular check-ins with law enforcement or restrictions on travel.