An offense more serious than a misdemeanor, a felony usually carries a penalty of more than one year in prison. In felony cases, the first appearance is also called the arraignment. After a not guilty plea, the case is set for a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing is a hearing in front of a judge, where a grand jury panel listens to the testimony of witnesses and determines whether there is sufficient evidence to make the defendant stand trial. If the burden of proof at the grand jury hearing is less than sufficient for trial the case may be dismissed.
