I live in the UK and I am being charged for theft of over £3,000 from a previous employer. I didn't do anything wrong, but it appears that somebody was stealing and using my log in on the PC. It is my first offence and I am pleading not guilty, what will happen at my preliminary hearing?

Hello liz:

In the US, and I doubt it's any different in the UK, the preliminary hearing is conducted for the purpose of determining whether probable cause for the arrest of a person existed.

If you're pleading not guilty, that hearing would be an excellent place to have representation.

excon