What is the legal term for a hearing where the court formally charges an offender with a crime?

The legal term for a hearing where the court formally charges an offender with a crime is arraignment. During this process, the accused is brought before the court and informed of the charges against them. At the arraignment, the defendant typically enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This step is crucial in the judicial process as it establishes the formal nature of the charges and allows the defendant to understand the specific accusations they are facing, which is fundamental to ensuring a fair legal proceeding.

In contrast, sentencing occurs after a conviction, where the court determines the appropriate punishment for the crime. A preliminary hearing is a proceeding held to assess whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial, but it does not involve formal charges or pleas. A trial is the formal examination of the evidence and legal arguments before a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence, occurring after the arraignment has taken place.