DENVER -- A Denver-based polling firm has begun interviewing Eagle-area residents about the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, and 7NEWS legal analyst Craig Silverman believes the questions are coming from Kobe Bryant's legal defense team.

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The significance of the polling firm, according to legal experts, is that Bryant's defense could use the information to seek a change of venue.

"This is very predictable, especially with someone with the financial resources like Kobe Bryant," Silverman said. "You have to figure it's team Kobe who is having this polling done."

Bryant is charged with raping a 19-year-old hotel worker. His preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 9.

Silverman said there are several reasons motivating the Laker star's legal team to ask questions.

"They will learn what they need to address at trial. They may learn they want to plea bargain the case. They may learn that they have a stronger hand in Eagle county than they realized," Silverman said.

Silverman said a poll would likely ask residents what they have heard about the case, if they've formed an opinion of guilt or innocence, if they know the alleged victim or one of her friends, and if they have an opinion of the alleged victim.

All that information can help in arguing a change of venue, the legal analyst said.

"The burden of proof for team Kobe is to demonstrate to the trial court that the people of Eagle County cannot give Kobe Bryant a fair trial. It's as simple as that," Silverman said.

Bryant's legal team did not return calls from 7NEWS asking for confirmation about the Eagle County polling project.

Silverman said there's an added benefit for Bryant's attorneys to go forward with the polling. If his attorneys request a change of venue and a judge denies it and then if a jury convicts Bryant, the polling can become the foundation for an appeal, Silverman said.