Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 19th

On August 30th the judge at the Merced County Superior Court set the preliminary hearing on calendar for October 19th at 10am. According to California Courts, a preliminary hearing is an arrangement (or pre-trial hearing) that decides whether or not there is enough evidence to proceed with the criminal case. As such, it's held before trial and before a judge only. You cannot be found guilty at this point.