What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?

A preliminary hearing is a hearing in the state of Texas that is held to determine whether there is enough evidence for a criminal case to proceed to trial. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony from witnesses and other evidence from the prosecutor. During the hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to hold the accused person to answer for the charges. The judge must determine if there is sufficient probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused person is likely to have committed the crime. The primary purpose of the hearing is to protect the accused’s due process rights. Therefore, the court cannot proceed to trial unless the judge finds that there is probable cause. The court also uses the preliminary hearing to decide if the accused person needs to be detained in jail or released on bond pending trial. The defendant has the right to cross-examine witnesses, and the judge can also issue orders related to the case, such as the issuance of search or arrest warrants. After the hearing, the judge will decide whether to bind the case over for trial or dismiss the charges. If the judge finds probable cause that a crime was committed and that the accused person is likely to have committed the crime, the judge will bind the case over for trial, and the accused person will proceed to arraignment.

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What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?

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