A preliminary hearing is an important stage in many felony criminal cases. Although it is not a full trial, the hearing can significantly affect how the case moves forward and may provide valuable opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
What Is a Preliminary Hearing?
A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding where a judge decides whether there is enough evidence against a criminal defendant for the felony case to continue toward trial.
At this stage, the prosecution does not need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, prosecutors generally must show there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed a crime.
If the judge finds probable cause exists, the case will usually proceed to the next stages of the criminal process. If the prosecution fails to present sufficient evidence, some or all charges may potentially be dismissed or reduced.
Preliminary hearings commonly occur in felony cases involving charges such as:
- Violent crimes
- Drug crimes
- Domestic violence
- Theft offenses
- Weapons charges
- Sex crime allegations
- DUI charges
- White collar crimes
Misdemeanor cases generally do not involve preliminary hearings because of the lower penalties and less complex charges involved.
What Happens During a Preliminary Hearing?
During the hearing, prosecutors will present evidence and witness testimony to try to establish probable cause.
The prosecution may call:
- Police officers
- Investigators
- Alleged victims
- Witnesses
- Forensic experts
The defense attorney has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case based on the evidence the prosecution has put on so far.
Unlike a trial, preliminary hearings are usually decided by a judge rather than a jury. The rules of evidence are often more relaxed than they would be during a trial. For example, hearsay evidence may sometimes be allowed depending on the jurisdiction and type of witness involved.
The defense may also present evidence or witnesses in certain situations, although many defense attorneys choose to limit what they reveal at this stage.
Preliminary Hearings Are Often Strategic for the Defense
Preliminary hearings can play an important role in building a defense strategy if the case proceeds toward trial.
An experienced criminal defense attorney may use the hearing to test the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, lock witnesses into testimony under oath, and preserve testimony for later impeachment at trial. They may also challenge probable cause and expose weaknesses in the investigation.
Cross-examination during a preliminary hearing can sometimes reveal problems with witness credibility or other evidence. In some cases, the hearing may create leverage for plea negotiations or dismissal discussions.
The Judge Does Not Decide Guilt or Innocence
The judge does not decide whether the defendant is guilty during the preliminary hearing. The hearing only determines whether there is enough evidence for the case to continue moving forward. The prosecution’s burden at this stage (probable cause) is much lower than the burden required for conviction at trial (beyond a reasonable doubt)
Even if the judge finds probable cause that the defendant committed a crime, the defendant is still presumed innocent until found guilty at trial.
Possible Outcomes of a Preliminary Hearing
A preliminary hearing can have several outcomes. The judge may:
- Allow all charges to proceed
- Dismiss certain charges
- Reduce felony charges
- Find insufficient probable cause and dismiss the case
In some situations, the parties may also negotiate plea agreements before or after the hearing occurs.
Can a Defendant Waive a Preliminary Hearing?
In some situations, defendants choose to waive the preliminary hearing.
This may occur because the parties are negotiating a plea agreement. Or, the defense may want to avoid revealing its strategy or keep the case moving along on a quicker timeline.
Whether waiving the hearing is an appropriate strategy depends heavily on the facts of the case and the defense options involved.
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help With a Preliminary Hearing
Preliminary hearings offer an opportunity to hear and challenge the prosecution’s evidence at the earliest stages of your case. These hearings can affect the direction of your case moving forward and influence plea negotiations and trial preparation.
You should seek an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in your preliminary hearing. Your lawyer can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and identify opportunities to challenge the case at the hearing and throughout the case.
If you’ve been charged with a felony in Los Angeles, contact William S. Kroger to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about your legal options.