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I waived my preliminary hearing, now what?
Anonymous2 views1 answers
I was arrested for several offences...
4 class e felonies
3 misdimeanors
Before I went to court I met with a public defender.
He said the state wouldn't settle in general sessions, and that if I was still in jail because I couldn't make bail, I could waive my preliminary.
I asked what that ment and he said it was just making sure there was probable cause for the charges...
Shouldn't make a difference in my case.
An agreement and paper were signed to waive my preliminary to secure lower bond.
I feel as though I may have been mislead?
Perhaps he didn't have my best interest in mind?
I'm out now, but now what?
Do I just wait for my Criminal court date to come up, before getting my public defender back?
Do I still have a public defender?
Vincent Patrick WyattCriminal Defense AttorneyNashville, TN ·
A prelminary hearing allows your defense attorney to question your accusers under oath and could allow you to pick up on possible defenses in your case so it is a big deal and waiving your prelminary hearing is something that I would not normally recommend to a client, but if agreeing to waive such in order to make a bond is the only way that such person can make such bond, then it probably is worth it. Many times those that are unable to post bond are treated more harshly in settlement negotiations the criminal justice system than those that can afford to make your bond. If there was a question as to whether there was probable cause to charge you with such offense then the waiver would be more significant, but probable cause is a very low standard. It generally take a little while for the case to get presented to criminal court, but you should contact the public defender directly about representation going forward or if you can afford a private attorney you should look into that as soon as possible.
