What Happens Next? Legal Steps Following the Tragic Charlie Kirk Assassination | Legal Breakdown

Whether you’re curious about the details of the preliminary hearing, how the defense will handle the mountain of evidence, or why even the most reviled defendants still deserve a robust legal defense, this episode will unpack the complexities and answer your pressing questions as the case unfolds.

This is what you NEED to know about how the justice system will handle the country’s highest-profile case right now.

The Basics: No Grand Jury in Utah

Utah does things differently—there’s NO grand jury. Prosecutors file charges directly, supported by a probable cause affidavit. This initial phase is all about protecting everyone’s rights, even for the accused in horrific crimes.

Why Probable Cause Matters

A probable cause statement lays out the evidence/accusations, so prosecutors can’t just grab anyone off the street. It’s a paper trail under oath of what the State knows so far.

Initial Appearance: Enter the Accused

The defendant’s first court appearance was done over Zoom/WebEx for safety (think: avoid any “Jack Ruby” moments; if you know, you know). At this appearance, charges are read out loud to give proper notice.

No Bond—And Why

Because the DA is seeking the death penalty, Utah law doesn’t allow for bond in these cases. The defense can’t even make a pitch for release.

Next Up: The Preliminary Hearing Showdown

This is the big one! It’s a live mini-trial where prosecutors have to show the judge enough evidence (probable cause) to move forward. Unlike secret grand juries, this is an open court. If prosecutors flop, the case is dismissed. Expect this hearing to be highly watched.

Public Defenders = Real Lawyers

Don’t knock court-appointed counsel! Death penalty cases require certified, highly trained lawyers. The defense gets the budget for experts—think DNA, ballistics, cyber-forensics.

Mountains of Evidence = Slow Process

With “truckloads of discovery”—every text, Discord chat, DNA swab—review takes TIME. The right to a speedy trial is for the defendant, but in reality, you can’t prep a case of this scale in a few months.

Constitutional Protections Are for Everyone

“This case exemplifies why we have these rights”—even for those accused of monstrous acts. The goal: avoid botched trials, which can lead to appeals and more pain for everyone.

Strategy Talk: What Will the Defense Do?

Expect the defense to check the client’s competency, dig into all the digital evidence, and build rapport (trust is HARD when the system appoints your lawyer). Every fact counts.

Will the Public See Everything?

Not likely. Much discovery stays in the hands of lawyers—public interest is huge, but releasing it all risks poisoning the jury pool and jeopardizing witnesses.

What’s Next? Possible Outcomes…

• Dismissal at preliminary hearing (unlikely, but possible if evidence falls short)
• Plea deal (maybe in exchange for info on other involved parties)
• Full-blown jury trial (with a death penalty phase if convicted)

The Emotional Toll on Lawyers

Even veteran defense attorneys admit: Sometimes a case hits too close to home. If emotions might interfere, you step aside. The system only works if both sides are at their best.

Bottom line:

This is the justice system in the public eye—every step under scrutiny. Don’t let the info vacuum fuel wild theories; wait for facts, demand answers, watch the legal process unfold.

Moments

00:00 Understanding Probable Cause Statements

08:12 Reduced Risks in Prisoner Transport

14:17 "Aggravating Circumstances in Question"

18:21 Court-Appointed Death Penalty