What is the purpose of a pre-trial hearing?

The purpose of a pre-trial hearing is to provide an opportunity for a judge to review the evidence against a defendant before trial and determine if a trial is necessary. In Virginia, the judge will consider whether the prosecution has enough evidence to support its case against the defendant, if the defendant has a valid defense, if any evidence should be suppressed, and if the defendant should be released on defendant will appear in court when required.">bail. The Commonwealth of Virginia also allows victims to present evidence at pre-trial hearings and may provide an opportunity for the defendant to enter a plea. Prosecutors present their evidence first, then the judge may ask questions of the prosecution’s witnesses. The defense then has the option to present evidence and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses or make a motion for dismissal. The judge will review the evidence to decide if a trial should be held or if the case should be dismissed or if the defendant should be released from custody. The pre-trial hearing provides an opportunity for the court to make sure that all parties involved are aware of the available evidence, allowing the prosecution and defense to object to the introduction of certain evidence. This can save time and money in the long run by preventing lengthy court proceedings and multiple appeals. Pre-trial hearings also offer a way to protect the defendant’s legal rights by ensuring that their rights are not violated in any way.

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What is the purpose of a pre-trial hearing?

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