Best Practices to Prepare Yourself for a Preliminary Hearing in Montgomery County
Most people think that a preliminary hearing is a trial. But that’s a completely wrong notion! A preliminary hearing is a procedure that helps determine whether there is enough evidence to move forward to a trial.
So, if you have been charged with a crime in Montgomery County, the first thing that you’ll need to face is a preliminary hearing. And if you want the outcome to go in your favor, it is very important that you have a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side to help you prepare for the event and guide you effectively throughout the process.
Preliminary Hearing vs. Arraignment- What’s the Difference?
Two main factors separate a preliminary hearing from an arraignment-
- The purpose
- The outcome
An arraignment refers to your initial court appearance. Usually, an arraignment involves a formal reading of the charges. Along with that, your bail amount gets determined during this process. You are also advised that you have the right to seek legal counsel.
On the other hand, a preliminary hearing is an official court date where the prosecution presents the evidence. Added to that, the court determines whether the evidence is enough to proceed. If the court finds no probable cause, the charges against you will be dismissed.
If you’re in Montgomery County, the preliminary hearings are applicable for both misdemeanor and felony charges.
What Happens at a Preliminary Hearing?
Now that you know what a preliminary hearing is, let’s take a look at what happens during the event.
- The prosecution presents evidence and may even summon witness testimony.
- The defending party gets a chance to cross-examine the witnesses. They may even challenge the evidence of the prosecution and present their own evidence or witnesses.
- The judge determines the probable cause of the crime. If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to trial. If not, it gets dismissed.
Best Ways to Prepare for a Preliminary Hearing
If you want the outcome to rule in your favor, you have to prepare accordingly for the preliminary hearing. Here are some best practices that you need to implement-
- Hire an attorney: One of the very first things you should do is get yourself a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to assist in your case. Discuss the case and the defense strategies thoroughly.
- Prepare your responses beforehand: Usually, you won’t have to testify for yourself. But, if the situation demands, you might have to! That’s why you should always discuss this matter with your lawyer. Added to that, your lawyer can also help you prepare the answers so that you don’t get confused at the hearing!
- Collect necessary evidence: Your lawyer can also collect evidence, like police reports, case documents, witness statements, etc. These are crucial documents that help the professional build a strong defense for you!
- Follow your lawyer’s guidance: Remember, losing your cool might result in losing the case! So, be calm, and do exactly what your lawyer advises you.
Along with these, here are some basic rules that you should follow to increase your chances of a positive outcome-
- Be punctual during your hearing.
- Maintain the decorum of the court.
- Bring along all necessary documents and your ID as well.
- Dress properly. Don’t show up in those quoted t-shirts, or open-toed shoes!
And lastly, keep in mind that a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you the most during your preliminary hearing. These professionals understand the ins and outs of law and can craft a solid defense strategy to protect your rights.
So, quit blaming yourself for getting charged with a crime in Montgomery County! Instead, call us at the Logue Law Group at 412-387-6901 and schedule a consultation with our expert attorneys today!