Rule 555 - Preliminary HearingsA. A Municipal Court judge may dismiss a case at preliminary hearing when the Commonwealth witnesses fail to appear three times. The court may issue bench warrants for Commonwealth witnesses in appropriate cases. B. A Municipal Court judge may appoint the Defender Association to represent the defendant at the preliminary hearing only where the case has previously been continued for the non-appearance of private counsel.Former rule 555 rescinded and new rule adopted by the Municipal Court Board of Judges on November 18, 2005; effective 3/15/2006.