---
title: What Occurs During a Felony Preliminary Hearing in San Diego?
slug: felony-preliminary-hearing-san-diego
article_type: Help Article
keywords: felony preliminary hearing, legal defense
url: https://www.sandiegocriminalattorneys.org/blog/2024/august/san-diego-ca-crime-rate-latest-statistics/
published_date: 2025-10-27T00:00:00
---

During a felony preliminary hearing, the judge evaluates the prosecution’s evidence to decide if probable cause exists to proceed to trial. Defense counsel has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence's validity. This hearing is a critical step in determining whether the case advances to the trial phase.sandiegocriminalattorneys+1