After an arraignment on a felony charge, the next step in the legal process is to appear before the District Court judge for a preliminary examination. The county prosecuting attorney will be in court to present the prosecutions case. After hearing the evidence presented at the preliminary examination, the judge determines if there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed that crime. It is suggested that legal counsel represent you at this hearing. You may hire your own attorney or if you are indigent, you may petition the court for a court appointed attorney.
Forms are available at the court.
Pretrial hearing For individuals arrested and arraigned on misdemeanor violations, the pretrial hearing is the next step of the legal process. An individual has the right to be represented by legal counsel at this hearing, however it is not mandatory. This hearing is an opportunity for both parties to discuss the case and possibly resolve the case by way of a plea, either to the offense charged or if offered a reduced offense. Depending on the pre-trial results, a case can take one of two paths in the judicial process. If it is defendant's intent to plead guilty or no contest, a plea will be accepted and the sentencing will follow.