How long after an initial appearance must a preliminary hearing be held if the defendant is in custody?

The timeline for holding a preliminary hearing when a defendant is in custody is governed by criminal procedure rules, which mandate specific time frames to ensure the defendant's rights are upheld. In general, if a defendant is in custody, a preliminary hearing must be conducted within 10 days of the initial appearance. This requirement serves to ensure that individuals who are detained are not held indefinitely without a judicial determination of probable cause.

This time limit emphasizes the importance of timely judicial review in the criminal process and helps maintain a balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of the state in administering justice effectively. Thus, the choice of 10 days accurately reflects the critical legal standard for timely hearings for defendants in custody.