What is the primary purpose of a preliminary hearing?

The primary purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the defendant is likely the person who committed it. This essential step in the legal process serves to protect the rights of the defendant by ensuring that there is sufficient evidence to warrant moving forward with criminal charges. During this hearing, the prosecution presents evidence, and the defense has the opportunity to challenge it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case proceeds; if not, the charges may be dismissed.

In contrast, finalizing the charges against a defendant occurs through the arraignment process, where charges are formally presented after the preliminary examination. Presenting evidence in front of a jury occurs during the trial phase, not at the preliminary hearing. Similarly, allowing a defendant to enter a plea is part of the arraignment process and not relevant to the purpose of the preliminary hearing.