What is the difference between a preliminary hearing and a trial in criminal defense law?

In criminal defense law, a preliminary hearing and a trial are two different legal proceedings that occur in the court system in Alaska. A preliminary hearing is an adversarial court process in which a judge hears evidence to decide if there is sufficient evidence against a defendant to require that person to stand trial. If the judge decides there is sufficient evidence, then the defendant is bound over for trial. A trial is a formal court hearing that usually takes place before a jury. During a trial, both sides present their evidence so that the jury can decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crime they are accused of committing. The jury’s decision must be based on the evidence presented during the trial. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, then the judge will then sentence them. In short, a preliminary hearing is used to determine if there is sufficient evidence of a crime for a trial to take place, and a trial is the legal proceeding during which a jury hears evidence and decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crime.

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What is the difference between a preliminary hearing and a trial in criminal defense law?

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