Bryant sex assault hearing still on for Thursday
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Kobe Bryant
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EAGLE, Colorado (CNN) -- A preliminary hearing in the sexual assault case against basketball star Kobe Bryant will be held Thursday as scheduled, unless the defense asks to waive it before it begins, the judge said Tuesday.
Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett said that decision was made in a teleconference he had with defense and prosecuting attorneys.
The preliminary hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. If the hearing is waived, the case will go directly to trial.
The preliminary hearing is to start at 3 p.m. EDT Thursday.
Last week, Gannett ruled that the hearing will be open to the media, although he can decide to close portions of it. The judge also decided that Bryant's accuser will not be required to attend.
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Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel employee when he was a guest at a mountain lodge June 30 in Edwards, Colorado, west of the Vail ski resort.
Bryant, 25 and married, admits he had sex with the woman but insists it was consensual and that he did not assault her.
If convicted, the Los Angeles Lakers star could face a sentence of four years to life in prison. If sentenced to probation, the term could be 20 years to life. He also could face a fine of up to $750,000.
