Why Preliminary Hearings Are Critical to Your Case
In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is like a “mini-trial” that determines whether your case moves forward. While hearsay evidence—like a police officer saying a witness told them you had a gun—is allowed here (unlike in a trial), the hearing serves a powerful purpose. Instead of a jury deciding guilt, a judge reviews the evidence to see if there’s probable cause for the case to continue.
At this stage, we believe preliminary hearings are more than just procedural—they’re a key part of building your defense. Why?
1️⃣ Cross-Examination: If witnesses or experts testify, we can challenge and lock in their statements for later use.
2️⃣ Discovering Gaps: Police reports often lack detail. Cross-examining witnesses can expose uncertainties or weaknesses in the evidence.
For example, consider this: A witness claims they saw you holding a gun. With the right questions, we can challenge their reliability:
- “How far away were you when you saw it?”
- “Was it dark? Could it have been a cell phone?”
- “Do you even know how to identify a gun accurately?”
Or we might frame a self-defense scenario:
- “You saw the gun only after someone angrily charged toward the client?”
- “The gun was pointed at the ground, not at anyone?”
Preliminary hearings are not just about whether the case moves forward—they’re about starting to take control of your defense. By analyzing every detail, we ensure you’re prepared for what’s next.