Our preliminary hearing service includes counseling, research, filings and advocacy at all hearings up to, and including, the preliminary hearing. Typical services include the following:
The preliminary hearing stage of the case is a critical part of the defense. The Preliminary Hearing may involve percipient witnesses, police officer testimony, and expert opinions. This is the defense’s first opportunity to cross examine these witnesses and flesh out the issues and possible defenses in the case.
A skilled San Diego felony lawyer will thoroughly cross examine all the witnesses, argue for dismissal or reduction of the criminal charges and lay the foundation that may be essential for winning the case.
These hearings have specialized rules specific to the hearing. Some evidence that is not usually admissible at trial will be admitted at a preliminary hearing under a law called Proposition 115. A good defense will take advantage of these special rules and make sure you use them to your advantage.
The whole point of the Preliminary Hearing is to determine whether the government has enough evidence to go forward with the case. If the defendant wins the hearing, the case is dismissed. A good defense may mean that the case is dropped at a very early stage.
The vast majority of felony cases must go through the Preliminary Hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to go to trial. If you are being charged with a felony and have not yet appeared in court, you need our Preliminary Hearing services.
If you are someone, or know of someone, facing a San Diego Preliminary Hearing contact our office for a free & confidential consultation.