A hearing in which the court formally charges an abuser with a crime is known as?

An arraignment is a critical stage in the criminal justice process where the defendant is formally charged with a crime. During this hearing, the court presents the charges to the accused, who then has the opportunity to enter a plea—typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This process is essential as it ensures that the defendant is informed of the specific allegations against them and allowed to respond accordingly.

In contrast, a trial is where the guilt or innocence of the defendant is determined through examination of evidence and testimony in a courtroom setting. A deposition, on the other hand, is a pre-trial procedure where witnesses give sworn testimony outside of court, which is not the same as formally charging someone. Lastly, a plea bargain involves negotiations between the defendant and the prosecution regarding a guilty plea in exchange for a lesser charge or sentence, and does not involve formal charging at a hearing. Therefore, arraignment is the correct term for the hearing in which formal charges are presented.