It’s essential to retain a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the best path forward. The prosecutor does not have your best interests in mind, so waiving your preliminary hearing is not typically the best strategy. Prosecutors often count on defendants to waive their right to a preliminary hearing to have bail reduced or gain other benefits. They can look for legal errors and prepare to have evidence suppressed and your charges dismissed. One of the most critical aspects of the preliminary hearing is that your attorney will get to review the evidence against you. Why a Preliminary Hearing is ImportantĪ preliminary hearing protects the rights of the accused individual. The preliminary hearing is to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. The purpose is not to determine your guilt. Even hearsay may be validly presented at the preliminary hearing. The preliminary hearing proceeds like a mini trial. Thus, the preliminary hearing is a crucial fact-gathering stage of the criminal court process. Your defense attorney is not likely to have seen any evidence before that point. This will be the first time any of the evidence will be presented. What Happens at a Preliminary Hearing in Allegheny County?Īt the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor will present evidence against you. Only 5% of criminal cases go to trial-the rest end in the pretrial stage, such as at or before the preliminary hearing. You may also be able to accept a plea deal to end the case. You could discredit all their evidence and get your charges dismissed. In many criminal proceedings, the case is resolved at the preliminary hearing. During the preliminary hearing, the state prosecutor must prove that a crime occurred and that you were likely the person who committed that crime. ![]() It typically occurs within three to 10 days of your arraignment. ![]() What Is a Preliminary Hearing in Pennsylvania?Ī preliminary hearing in PA is a crucial stage of the criminal court process. Call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (412) 281-2146, or contact us online to get started with a free and confidential consultation. When you work with our team of criminal defense attorneys, we will fight for your rights and work to get your freedom. Do You Need A Defense Attorney For Your Preliminary Hearing? Contact Us For A Free Consultation. This is the first opportunity for your Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to get your charges dismissed. After your arrest and arraignment, you will attend a preliminary hearing. In this article, our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys will explain what to expect at a preliminary hearing and the things that can happen with your case at one. The criminal court process can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can reduce some of the stress. Defense Strategy and Information On Preliminary Hearings in Pennsylvania ![]() We offer free consultations, are available 24/7, and have experience getting criminal charges dismissed. IMPORTANT: If you are facing criminal charges in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, or elsewhere in Western PA, our criminal defense attorneys can help.
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