Final answer:
The process where a judge informs a suspect of charges, discusses maximum sentence and the right to an attorney, is called an arraignment. This is where the defendant is formally presented with the charges and enters a plea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the pretrial process best described by the scenario where a judge informs a suspect of being charged with murder, explains the maximum sentence, and indicates the right to hire an attorney is known as an arraignment.
During the arraignment, the defendant will be informed about the charges against them, advised of their legal rights, and will typically enter a plea. This is a critical part of the pretrial process in the criminal justice system.