What is the purpose of the preliminary hearing in a felony case in Kansas?

The purpose of the preliminary hearing in a felony case in Kansas is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed that crime. This stage is crucial in the legal process as it assesses the strength of the prosecution's evidence before the case moves forward to trial.

During the preliminary hearing, the judge evaluates evidence presented by the prosecution to establish if there is sufficient basis to proceed with formal charges. If the judge finds probable cause, the case will continue toward trial. If not, the charges may be dismissed. This process serves as a safeguard against unwarranted criminal prosecutions, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to a trial without adequate evidence against them.

Other options, such as initiating the trial process, assigning a bond amount, or finalizing plea agreements, serve different roles within the justice system and do not accurately reflect the specific function of the preliminary hearing.