“preliminary hearing”

This page presents an official legal definition of “preliminary hearing” from a government source. Additional definitions will be added as jurisdictions publish them.

Jurisdiction: United States United States

A hearing held in felony cases prior to indictment during which the state is required to produce sufficient evidence to establish that there is probable cause to believe (a) that a crime has been committed and (b) that the defendant committed it.

Source: Criminal Glossary, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego