What is required before a preliminary hearing can occur?

For a preliminary hearing to take place, it is essential that the defendant requests it within a specified timeframe, often set at 10 days following the bond hearing. This requirement ensures that the defendant has a timely opportunity to contest the evidence presented by the prosecution and to assert their rights in the legal process. A preliminary hearing serves as a check on the prosecution's case to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Having this procedural safeguard is crucial because it provides the defendant a chance to challenge the probable cause for their arrest before being subjected to the full weight of a trial, which can significantly impact their future. By. enforcing a deadline for the request, the legal system maintains order and ensures that such hearings occur in a timely manner, respecting both the rights of the defendant and the efficiency of the judicial process. The absence of any request from the defendant would likely sideline the possibility of a preliminary hearing, as it relies on their initiative to exercise this right.