A preliminary hearing in Colorado is a limited court proceeding available in certain felony cases. The judge does not decide whether the accused is guilty. Instead, the prosecution must show probable cause to believe that the charged offense occurred and that the accused committed it. Although that is a much lower standard than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the hearing can give a Denver criminal defense lawyer an early opportunity
When someone is charged with a crime in Colorado, one of the first questions that matters is whether the offense is a felony or a misdemeanor. The difference affects where the case is handled, the possible jail or prison sentence, the amount of fines, and the long-term consequences of a conviction.
In general, misdemeanors are less serious offenses that are usually punishable by county jail time, probation, fines, or other
