Skip to Content
Georgia Legal Defense
Start With a Free Case Review 912-417-5008
Schneider Lerch Bronston, LLC Schneider Lerch Bronston, LLC
Top
Court Process
From Negotiations to Trial, We're Focused On Winning Your Case

What Happens at a Preliminary Hearing in Georgia?

You will first appear at the Recorder's Court, or Municipal Court, or Magistrate Court. At this level of court, you will have your First Appearance and Preliminary Hearing. At a Preliminary Hearing, you have the option to challenge the probable cause in your case. 

At this court level, you may also choose to enter a plea. If our Savannah criminal defense lawyer cannot find a satisfactory result then we will request that the court move your case to either State Court or Superior Court, depending on your charges.

What Does the State Court Do in Georgia?

State Court handles all misdemeanor cases. Following the transfer of your case to this court your case will be reviewed and formally charged by a State Court prosecutor. After your case is accused you will be summoned for an arraignment. 

Then you select a path for your case:

  • try to negotiate a plea,
  • challenge evidence through a motion to suppress,
  • push the case to a trial by judge or a trial by jury

What Does the Georgia Superior Court Do?

Superior Court handles all felony cases, which includes any misdemeanor charges that are part of a felony incident. Following the transfer of your case to this court your case will be reviewed and formally charged by a Superior Court prosecutor, by either an indictment or an accusation. 

After your case is indicted/accused you will be summoned for an arraignment. Then you select a path for your case.

This may include:

  • try to negotiate a plea, 
  • challenge evidence through a motion to suppress, or 
  • push the case to a trial by judge or a trial by jury
Recent Case Victories

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
  • Dismissed 16 Counts Including Forgery Charges
  • Dismissed DUI
  • Reduced to Reckless Driving DUI
  • Charges Reduced DUI Refusal
  • Dismissed Illegal Gun Possession
  • Not Guilty Party to a Crime/ Armed Robbery

    Goes Above and Beyond for You

    "Thanks to Cris's hard work and dedication, along with his team's support, the charges against me were ultimately dropped. They fought tirelessly on my behalf, and I am so grateful for everything they did for me."
    Ethan A.

    True Advocate for Their Clients

    "Cris's expertise in criminal defense law was evident in the way they skillfully navigated the legal system, providing strategic guidance and support every step of the way. Thanks to their exceptional work, I was able to avoid the fine and the points being "
    Byron A.

    Absolutely Amazing

    "Being out of state they always kept me informed on everything that was going on with my case and were very quick to respond back if I had any questions or concerns."
    Kendall T.

    Expertise and Experience

    "They provided expertise and experience to review all evidence and lack thereof which helped me make a sound decision to not accept a plea and take my case to trial. Case dismissed before it even started!"
    Randy E.

    Provides a Peace of Mind

    "Upon first speaking to Carli and Cris, their knowledge and experience was evident. They helped me understand the implications and next steps in addressing my situation."
    Chris Topher

    Fantastic representation!

    "Courtney has a deep understanding of the law and the how everything works. She guided me through the process, kept me up to date on all aspects of my case, provided valuable advice and lead me to a outcome more favorable than I could have ever expected."
    Doug

    I recommend her highly!

    "I had a traffic case and Courtney Lerch was right on top of it and resolved it in short order with an outcome better than my highest expectations."
    Paul K.

    Excellent experience.

    "To make a long story short she got a pretty bad DUI completely dropped so all I can say life saver didn’t even lose my job because of my incident. I give this law firm 10 stars even though they only let me give 5."
    Bryan M.

Cases We Handle



 Continue Reading Read Less

Tell Us About Your Charge

We Offer Free Consultations

Contact our firm at (912) 417-5008 to schedule a free appointment with our seasoned criminal defense attorneys in Savannah today.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Award-Winning Criminal Defense