When the court hears evidence to decide if there is enough cause to hold the accused for trial on a felony charge. Also called Preliminary Hearing.

The hearing available to a person charged with a felony to determine if there is enough evidence (probable cause) to hold him for trial.

A hearing before a district division judge following arraignment at which the judge must determine if a crime was committed and whether sufficient evidence had been presented that the defendant committed the crime. Preliminary exams are held in felony cases.

A hearing before a magistrate judge or judge to determine if there is probable cause to warrant holding a person accused of a crime. It is a procedure to prevent a possible abuse of prosecutorial power.

a right accorded which the accused may waive

A hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence for the case to be transferred to Circuit Court.