§ 432 Procedure before court

When someone is brought before the court under section 431, the judge has two options for making sure that person shows up for their hearing. The judge can ask the person to sign a written promise to appear in court, often backed by money or property. This is similar to what people call a bond.

If the person cannot or will not agree to this promise, the judge can order that person held in custody instead. This means the person stays in a facility until their hearing date arrives. The goal is simple: make sure the person shows up when the case is ready to be heard.

This rule gives judges a choice between two ways to guarantee someone's appearance in court. It does not force the judge to pick custody right away. The judge looks at the situation and decides which option makes more sense before the hearing begins.