Which court proceeding is typically held before a trial?

The correct answer is arraignment, which is a crucial court proceeding that occurs after a defendant has been charged with a crime and typically before the trial begins. During an arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and is asked to enter a plea—such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This step is essential as it ensures that the defendant understands the charges against them and allows them an opportunity to respond.

The arraignment also sets the stage for further legal proceedings, as it may lead to discussions about bail and the scheduling of future hearings or trial dates. It is a foundational element of the judicial process in a criminal case, emphasizing the defendant's rights and the obligation of the court to inform them of their charges.

Other proceedings mentioned, such as a sentencing hearing, occur after a trial has concluded (if a conviction takes place) and involve the court determining the appropriate punishment. A preliminary hearing is primarily intended to assess whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, but it occurs after an arrest and before arraignment in many cases. The appeal process follows after a trial has concluded and cannot occur until a verdict has been reached, making it unrelated to pre-trial proceedings.