What Is A Pre-Trial Hearing In A Criminal Case? | Washington State |

Washington State Attorney Ryan Witt discusses the ins and outs of pre-trial hearings. Specifically, what happens at a pre-trial hearing? Attorney Witt also discusses what will NOT happen at your hearing. Oftentimes, people are very nervous hearing the term "pretrial hearing" because they make the assumption that their case is now heading towards trial. That is not the case.

Four common things can happen at a pre-trial hearing.

1. The case can be resolved though some type of agreed resolution. That could be anything from an agreed plea, to entry of a Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement, entry of a Stipulated Oder of Continuance, or entry of a dismissal pursuant to a Compromise of Misdemeanor. Paperwork will need to be completed in advance to be able to resolve your case on the pre-trial hearings calendar. Nearly all cases resolve through some type of agreed resolution.

2. Your case may be continued by your attorney making a request to continue. This can be done for strategic reasons, and usually a speedy trial waiver will be required. This is a very common occurrence, and there should be no cause for concern.

3. Your case may be set to a later date to argue legal motions before the Judge. Motions can be dispositive, or they can simply suppress some form of evidence moving forward.

4. Your case may be set for trial.

As mentioned in the video, nearly all cases are resolved at the pre-trial hearing stage. Just because it is called a pre-trial hearing, it does not mean that you must go forward to trial. We hope this has alleviated some of you stress about your future hearing.

Best of luck on your upcoming pre-trial hearing!

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Witt Law Group PS
www.WittLegal.com
(360) 792-1000