CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — The clock is ticking on how much longer accused Cheektowaga shooter Travis Green can remain behind bars.

Tuesday marks the end of a 144-hour window prosecutors have to hold a preliminary hearing. The hearing was set for Monday, but had to be adjourned because Green’s defense attorney couldn’t be present. If there’s no hearing within that time period, a suspect, who in this case is Green, will be released on their own recognizance.

The time limit is in effect so suspects don’t sit in jail indefinitely, waiting for their day in court. A preliminary hearing is the first step in making sure that doesn't happen. It's when the prosecution must prove it does in fact have enough evidence to keep a suspect in jail.

If it's found there is enough evidence to hold Green, prosecutors will then present the case to a grand jury. That must be done within 45 days of the preliminary hearing. If the grand jury decides to indict Green on any of the charges he’s facing, including attempted murder in the second degree, the case will move forward.

Green is expected to be back in Cheektowaga Town Court Tuesday morning.