conradmurrayhearing.jpgA preliminary hearing at the Los Angeles Superior Court has begun to determine whether there is enough evidence to send the Michael Jackson manslaughter case to trial.

Dr. Conrad Murray, the Houston cardiologist who also has a clinic in Las Vegas, could face a prison sentence of up to four years and the revocation of his medical license, if he is convicted of killing the King of Pop.

Murray was hired by AEG a month before Jackson died, and was paid a generous $150,000 per month to act as his personal physician while the superstar performed a 50 show tour in London's O2 arena. He now stands accused of involuntary manslaughter after lethal doses of propofol were found in the Michael Jackson's body upon his death on June 25, 2009.

Prosecutors have scheduled 30 witnesses to testify at the hearing before Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, which could last a minimum of two weeks.

This looks to be the beginning of a long and lengthy trial for Dr. Murray and the entire Jackson family.