Understanding Preliminary Hearings in Criminal Cases
Do you know what a preliminary hearing is and what the difference is between misdemeanor and felony cases? My name is Aaron Grubb, and I’m the Tahlequah misdemeanor attorney at Wirth Law Office. In this video, we will discuss the procedural differences between a misdemeanor and a felony case for the preliminary hearing.
If you get a felony case, you are entitled to a preliminary hearing before the case is sent to trial. This hearing is essential because it ensures that the state has probable cause to believe that you committed whatever crime you’re being charged with. Essentially, it serves to determine if there’s at least some chance that the state can convict you of this crime going forward.
Key Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
The policy reason behind preliminary hearings in felony cases is to prevent unsubstantiated cases from going to trial and harassing innocent people. However, for misdemeanor cases, this procedural safeguard is typically absent. Misdemeanors are much more streamlined in their processes, which can be both advantageous and disadvantageous for defendants.
While it is usually better to be charged with a misdemeanor rather than a felony, there are still certain disadvantages involved. For instance, you may have a smaller amount of time to build your case when facing a misdemeanor charge. Furthermore, there are fewer roadblocks and obstacles that the state must encounter in the prosecution of misdemeanor cases.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you have a pending criminal case, call me, Aaron Grubb, the Tahlequah criminal attorney, today at (918) 458-2677 to schedule your session and start taking control of your legal matters.. We can help you navigate these complex legal waters and ensure that your rights are protected. Take the first step towards a stronger defense by calling us for a low-cost initial strategy session.
