A preliminary hearing is a hearing where a judge decides whether there is enough evidence to send a felony case to the court of common pleas. This page explains that ordinary misdemeanor traffic cases do not have one, and what you get instead.
In Ohio, the right to a preliminary hearing exists "in felony cases." Crim.R. 5(A)(4), 5(B)(1). The Traffic Rules, which govern ordinary traffic cases, do not provide one. Ohio Traffic Rules. A misdemeanor traffic ticket goes to arraignment, where you enter a plea, and then to trial if you plead not guilty. Traf.R. 8, 10.
If you are charged with a felony by complaint (not by indictment):
Timing: the hearing must be held within 10 consecutive days after arrest or service of summons if you are in custody, or 15 days if you are not, unless extended for good cause. Crim.R. 5(B)(1).
No hearing if indicted: if a grand jury indicts you first, the hearing is not held. Crim.R. 5(B)(1).
At the hearing: the prosecutor presents witnesses and exhibits; you and the judge may cross-examine; you may present evidence. Crim.R. 5(B)(2), (3).
Result: the judge either sends the case to common pleas court (probable cause of a felony), keeps it as a misdemeanor case (probable cause of a misdemeanor), or discharges you. Crim.R. 5(B)(4).
A discharge is not the end: it "shall not be a bar to further prosecution." Crim.R. 5(B)(5).
If you face a felony, get a lawyer.
Discovery: you can make a written demand for the prosecution's evidence under Crim.R. 16. Discovery requests must be made before trial. Traf.R. 11(B)(2)(b); Crim.R. 16(B).
Pretrial motions: for example, a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss for a defective ticket. Due within 35 days after arraignment or 7 days before trial, whichever is earlier. Traf.R. 11(B), (C).
Trial: the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. R.C. 2901.05(A).
Ohio Criminal Rules (Crim.R. 5, 16): https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/LegalResources/Rules/criminal/CriminalProcedure.pdf
Ohio Traffic Rules (Traf.R. 8, 10, 11): https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/LegalResources/Rules/traffic/Traffic.pdf
R.C. 2901.05: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2901.05
Last verified: 2026-10-13