What is a Preliminary Hearing in General Sessions Court in Tennessee? In a preliminary hearing in Tennessee's General Sessions Court, the judge determines whether there is probable cause to continue to the next phase of criminal prosecution. If you are charged with...

Do I Have to Go to Court if Nobody wants to Press Charges? Yes.  The District Attorney’s office decides whether to prosecute someone for a crime; it is not up to a private individual to “press charges.”  If you do not show up for court, the judge will issue a bench...