Bill Cosby Will Face Criminal Trial

Today a judge ruled that Bill Cosby will stand trial for his accused criminal behavior, Deadline is reporting.  He’s been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.  In a preliminary hearing today, Judge Elizabeth McHugh ruled that the trial will go forward absent a plea bargain arrangement with the district attorney.  Cosby is facing three charges of felony second-degree aggravated indecent assault charges.

Cosby was present at the courthouse in Norristown, Pa today for a a preliminary hearing that lasted four hours.  Assuming there is no plea, the next step will be a flurry of motions from both sides, over evidentiary and other issues including who can testify, and what evidence will be excluded. Cosby has waived an arraignment hearing.

During the hearing, Cosby’s lawyers had argued that Constand never said no, but evidence was presented during today’s hearing that the only reasons she didn’t say no was because she was paralyzed by drugs the comedian gave her.  Although she didn’t testify at today’s hearing, a police detective read her original statement she had given in 2004.  “I remember Mr. Cosby positioned himself behind me.  I was unable to move my body. I was pretty much frozen. I was unable to speak. I was, like, paralyzed.”

If he is found guilty he could be incarcerated for ten years. A trial date will not be set until later in July.