ROCKLAND (AP) — A Maine man accused of trying to kill his wife by beating her with a rock and pushing her off a cliff has lost his bid to have the charges dismissed based on the way prosecutors obtained his medical records.

The lawyer for Charles Black contends prosecutors failed to follow proper procedures.

But the state supreme court ruled Tuesday that the appeal was premature. The court said that Black can appeal later if the records are used against him and if he’s convicted.

Authorities said Black tried to kill Lisa Black of Camden in 2011 by pushing her off Maiden Cliff on Mount Megunticook. She survived the fall and staggered to a road to summon help. Law enforcement officials contended there was a dispute over a $4 million inheritance.