Denton Criminal Lawyer

Preliminary Hearings

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be an intensely stressful experience. Fortunately, being arrested does not equate to being convicted; if you work with a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney, then you may be able to win a favorable outcome in your case. Preliminary hearings (also known as evidentiary hearings) constitute one of the most important mechanisms by which miscarriages of justice may be prevented.

As you are awaiting a preliminary hearing, it is important that you work with an attorney to ensure that your interests are adequately represented at this critical juncture. Prevailing in this phase of the process can potentially lead to the dismissal of charges in your case and preserve your freedom. Contact the Denton criminal defense lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to gain a key ally in this trying time.

Issues to Be Addressed at a Preliminary Hearing

As the name implies, a preliminary hearing may be scheduled prior to a formal trial and is, in fact, a venue for the judge presiding in the matter to determine whether a trial should be held. These proceedings stand as distinct from grand juries because the accused is entitled to representation in a preliminary hearing.

Some of the points that are considered in preliminary hearings include the following:

• Determination of whether a crime has occurred
• Determination of whether such a crime occurred in the jurisdiction of the presiding court
• Determination of whether there is “probable cause” to believe that the defendant committed the criminal act

If you are in danger of being prosecuted for a crime that you have not committed or there are circumstances that might bear on the case, it is critical that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Us

To learn more about your rights as an accused individual, contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560.