I have to go to a preliminary hearing today, and i was wanting to know what to expect, i have 2 charges on my Burgurly, and Criminal Damage to property this is my FIRST TIME!! And they said if i testify against the person who did it they may drop my felony cause i didnt go in the builiding i was the driver, and I turned the evidence in (shoes) to the cops.!!
2007-02-22 01:29:49 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
A preliminary hearing is, I believe, just a hearing to establish who is accused of what and for the Judge to make further directions i.e. whether or not there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. It is not the main trial. It will be when your plea of guilty or not guilty will be given perhaps.
I would imagine that the case for your offences being dropped in return for testifying will be put forward today, but I don't know for sure.
Your lawyer should have explained all this to you.
Read this for a bit more info: http://criminal.findlaw.com/crimes/criminal_stages/criminal_preliminary_hearing.html
CG.
2007-02-22 01:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by cymraesgwyllt 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Now that you've given more information, let me answer again. This is the hearing when you enter your plea and the Judge sets conditions of release. Since you are not in jail, the Judge will just continue your status, but instruct you not to break any laws, not to use controlled substances and perhaps stay away from the other defendants. Your ultimate goal will be to get these charges reduced or dismissed. When it's time for your atty to plea bargain, try to get a deferred sentence. A deferred sentence means the offense will be automatically expunged if you do not get in trouble for some fixed period of time. When you go to Court, stand up when the Judge enters the courtroom. If the Judge asks you a question, address him/her as "Your Honor." Dress as nicely as you can. We all make an instant 1st impression and you can't believe how many people show up in Court dressed like they just finished yard work. This is the 1st chance the Judge has to see you. Make that work to your advantage. Ask your atty to assure the prosecutor you will do everything possible to help. Since this is your 1st offense, this will work to your advantage. Stay away from the other defendants. Give your atty enough information to assure the Court you are not a flight risk. If you have a job and a family in the area, make sure your atty gives that information to the Court.
2007-02-22 09:58:01 · answer #2 · answered by David M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you clean this up? I'm having a hard time understanding your question.
2007-02-22 09:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by douglas l 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋