Which sequence correctly lists the steps for a felony case?

Which sequence correctly lists the steps for a felony case?

• A. Arraignment, Preliminary Hearing, Indictment
• B. Arraignment, Indictment, Preliminary Hearing
• C. Arraignment, Indictment
• D. Preliminary Hearing, Arraignment, Indictment

Answer: (A)

The sequence tested is the order of steps for a felony case when charges come by information and then move to grand jury indictment. Arraignment comes first so the defendant is formally informed of the charges and can enter a plea. If the case is proceeding by information, a preliminary hearing follows to determine whether there is probable cause to bind the case over for trial. If probable cause is found, the matter goes to the grand jury, which issues the indictment. That indictment then serves as the formal charging document for the trial in the higher court. So the proper flow is: arraignment, then preliminary hearing, then indictment. Starting with a preliminary hearing before arraignment would deprive the defendant of notice and counsel, and having an indictment before a preliminary hearing doesn’t fit the path described for cases charged by information.

The sequence tested is the order of steps for a felony case when charges come by information and then move to grand jury indictment. Arraignment comes first so the defendant is formally informed of the charges and can enter a plea. If the case is proceeding by information, a preliminary hearing follows to determine whether there is probable cause to bind the case over for trial. If probable cause is found, the matter goes to the grand jury, which issues the indictment. That indictment then serves as the formal charging document for the trial in the higher court. So the proper flow is: arraignment, then preliminary hearing, then indictment. Starting with a preliminary hearing before arraignment would deprive the defendant of notice and counsel, and having an indictment before a preliminary hearing doesn’t fit the path described for cases charged by information.