Answer:
The first step is the initial hearing. After a defendant is indicted and arrested, they are brought before a judge for an initial hearing. There, the defendant learns more about their rights, charges, arrangements are made for legal representation. The judge decides if the defendant will be held in jail or released on bond until the trial. The defendant also enters either a guilty or not guilty plea.
The second step is the preliminary hearing. There, the prosecutor must demonstrate to a judge that there is sufficient evidence to believe the suspect committed the crime with which he or she is charged. If the court finds there is no probable cause, the matter is dismissed, the defendant(s) are released.
If the court finds there is probable cause, the matter is transferred to trial court.