What is the purpose of a pre-trial hearing?

A pre-trial hearing is a formal court proceedings that takes place before a criminal trial. The purpose of a pre-trial hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to go to trial. During the hearing, the defendant and the prosecutor can present evidence and argument to a judge, who will then decide whether the defendant will stand trial. In Indiana, the judge will consider evidence such as witness statements and police reports presented at the pre-trial hearing. The judge will evaluate the evidence to determine if there is enough evidence to support a reasonable belief that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed the crime. The judge may also consider if the defendant has a valid defense, such as self-defense, or if the arrest and search were conducted in accordance with the law. If the judge finds that there is a lack of probable cause to proceed to a trial, the judge will order that the case be dismissed. However, if the judge finds that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a trial, the judge will schedule a trial date. The pre-trial hearing is a crucial part of the criminal process, as it allows the judge to evaluate the evidence and determine whether a criminal trial is necessary.

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What is the purpose of a pre-trial hearing?

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