What does a Preliminary Hearing determine?

• A. The guilt or innocence of the defendant
• B. The admissibility of all evidence
• C. The sentence if convicted
• D. Whether there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed

Answer: (D)

A Preliminary Hearing serves as a gatekeeper to see if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The focus is on whether there is probable cause to believe that a felony was committed and that the defendant likely committed it. It’s not a trial that determines guilt or innocence, nor does it set a sentence if convicted. It also isn’t a broad ruling on all evidence’ admissibility; rather, it assesses whether the charges should move forward. If probable cause is found, the case continues toward trial; if not, charges can be dismissed or adjusted.