If you fail to request a Preliminary Hearing, you are basically admitting guilt before the case even moves to a trial. Contest the charges, cross-examine the Police Officer and create the tone early-on that you are innocent of the charges and that you will do everything in your power to clear your name. The Preliminary Hearing is an outstanding way to gain knowledge on the case and gives your lawyer time to gather evidence, re-test existing evidence and develop a defense case.