Preliminary hearing is for felonies only.

• A. Felonies Only
• B. Misdemeanors Only
• C. Both Felonies and Misdemeanors
• D. Not Used

Answer: (A)

A preliminary hearing is a screening step to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a serious crime—typically a felony—was committed and that the defendant was involved. This process helps decide whether the case should go to trial. Misdemeanors are usually charged by information or complaint and moved through arraignment and trial without a separate preliminary screening, so they don’t have this step. If probable cause is found, the case proceeds; if not, the charges can be dismissed. While some jurisdictions have variations, the standard practice is that the preliminary hearing applies to felonies, making this statement correct.