Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

molestation 2nd degree

i have a prelim hearing for child molestation 2nd degree coming up.on thankgiving i blacked out and suppossedly grabbed my girlfriend of 7 years breast.as far as i know she made it sound sexual.i have always butted heads with her and she is a constant liar. after i went in to talk to police,the detective said i would be contacted later by the district attorney.now i have this hearing for the judge.i dont remember anything about that day and according to others her story isnt the same as she told police.i'm no child molester and am scared to death.whats gonig to happen at this hearing?should i or can i take any witnesses to this hearing please help


Asked on 2/04/02, 4:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: molestation 2nd degree

The first thing you need to do is retain an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, pick up an application for a public defender at the court clerk's office or prosecutor's office.

The preliminary appearance is a brief hearing limited to a determination whether there is probable cause to believe you have committed the offense. It is not a hearing at which you or witnesses will be allowed to offer testimony or any evidence on your behalf. If the judge determines from the statement presented by the prosecutor that there is probable cause to believe you have committed the offense, he will set release conditions, which can include the posting of bail/bond. The judge is not deciding that in fact you are guilty of the offense. Your case will be scheduled for hearings and trial.

Get an attorney and make no statements to ANYONE without competent counsel present.

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Answered on 2/04/02, 7:19 pm


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