Terms Used In Florida Statutes 902.20

  • Preliminary hearing: A hearing where the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to make the defendant have a trial.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
A committing trial court judge holding a preliminary hearing shall have the same power to punish for contempts that she or he has while presiding at the trial of criminal cases.