What follows a preliminary hearing in the Kansas criminal process?

Following a preliminary hearing in the Kansas criminal process, the next step is the arraignment. During the preliminary hearing, the court evaluates whether there is enough evidence to proceed with charges against the accused. If the judge determines that there is sufficient evidence, the case moves forward to the arraignment stage.

At arraignment, the defendant is formally presented with the charges and is asked to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This step is crucial as it outlines the defendant's rights and obligations moving forward in the legal process. The arraignment sets the tone for the subsequent legal proceedings, leading either toward a trial or other resolutions, such as plea negotiations.

The other options—trial, sentencing, and appeal—occur at different stages of the criminal process. A trial would follow after arraignment if the case proceeds to that stage with a not guilty plea. Sentencing occurs only after a guilty plea or conviction at trial. An appeal comes into play after a verdict has been reached, allowing either party to challenge the decision in a higher court.