Preliminary Hearing
A Preliminary Hearing is a legal proceeding that takes place after a person is charged with a crime. Its main purpose is to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. During this hearing, a judge reviews the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense, and decides if the case should move forward.
This hearing is typically held in front of a judge, not a jury. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case will continue to trial; if not, the charges may be dismissed. This process helps ensure that only cases with enough evidence are brought to court, protecting the rights of the accused.