What is the legal term for a hearing where the court formalizes charges against an abuser?

The correct answer is arraignment, which is a crucial stage in the judicial process. During an arraignment, the defendant is formally presented with the charges brought against them. This hearing enables the court to ensure that the accused is aware of the specific allegations and allows them to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Arraignments serve to uphold the defendant's rights by providing clarity about the charges and the legal implications they carry. This process is essential in maintaining the structure of the criminal justice system, as it ensures that defendants understand the nature of the accusations they face before proceeding further in the legal process.

Other stages mentioned, such as a preliminary hearing, occur earlier in the process to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go forward, while sentencing involves determining the punishment after a conviction, and a trial is where evidence is presented to establish guilt or innocence. Each of these stages has a distinct purpose, but the arraignment specifically addresses the formal presentation of charges to the defendant.