The initial hearing in which a magistrate decides if there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime for which the defendant is charged is called the

A) booking.
B) initial appearance.
C) preliminary hearing.
D) arraignment.

Preliminary Hearing

An initial hearing in which a judge or magistrate decides if there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime with which he or she is charged.

Probable Cause

A reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed, used to justify police searches, arrests, and warrants.

Magistrate

A judicial officer with the authority to oversee minor civil disputes and criminal cases.