preliminary hearing

What happens at a preliminary hearing? Is this where you plead guilty or not guilty? Do you need a lawyer? How do you go about waiving the hearing? This is in Philadelphia, Pa.

[Edited by Cathy Smith on 01-19-2001 at 08:46 AM]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

Never ever waive a preliminary hearing. You do plead -- it is an adverserial hearing where the judge will determine if there is sufficient probable cause to bind you over for trial. They will also tell you arraignment date, etc.

Your lawyer can cross examine witnesses the prosecution brings up.