I know very little about law, as well, but this info that I found interesting. I don't know if it is specific to this case. Maybe Sid can chime in.
Question: what does it mean when a hearing is vacated?
Answer:
A “vacated” or “scratched” hearing or case means that a court order or judgment has been cancelled or rendered void. Cases are sometimes vacated at the preliminary hearing stage which may mean that the formal charges were not filed or that the prosecutor has chosen to present it to the Grand Jury for indictment. They may also choose to vacate if additional charges are anticipated and they want to consolidate the matters.
Question: what does it mean when a hearing is vacated?
Answer:
A “vacated” or “scratched” hearing or case means that a court order or judgment has been cancelled or rendered void. Cases are sometimes vacated at the preliminary hearing stage which may mean that the formal charges were not filed or that the prosecutor has chosen to present it to the Grand Jury for indictment. They may also choose to vacate if additional charges are anticipated and they want to consolidate the matters.