What is established during a preliminary hearing?

During a preliminary hearing, the primary objective is to determine whether there is enough evidence to establish probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant may have been involved in that crime. This process is crucial within the criminal justice system as it acts as a safeguard against unfounded charges, ensuring that a defendant isn't held for trial without sufficient evidence.

At this stage, the prosecution presents evidence, and the defense has the opportunity to challenge it, but not in a way that would be allowed during a full trial. The hearing focuses specifically on whether the facts presented support a reasonable belief that the defendant committed the alleged offense. If the court finds probable cause, the case will typically proceed to trial; if not, the charges may be dismissed.

In contrast, the other options involve different aspects of the criminal justice process: sentencing guidelines pertain to the punishment phase after a conviction, factors influencing jury selection come into play during trial preparations, and details of plea agreements are discussed in separate negotiations that may occur prior to or during trial. Therefore, the establishment of probable cause is the central focus of a preliminary hearing, making it the most appropriate choice.