During which court proceeding does a suspect enter a plea?

The correct response is related to the arraignment, which is a crucial stage in the criminal justice process where the accused formally hears the charges filed against them and has the opportunity to enter a plea. During an arraignment, the suspect can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest, leading to different outcomes for the case based on their plea. This step is fundamental because it allows the court to record the suspect's response to the charges, which then shapes the subsequent legal proceedings.

In contrast, a trial is where the evidence is presented, and a verdict is reached, but no plea is entered at that stage. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or verdict has been determined, focusing on the consequences of the crime rather than the initial plea. A preliminary hearing, on the other hand, is conducted to determine if there is enough evidence to charge the suspect formally, but it does not involve the suspect entering a plea. Therefore, the arraignment is the definitive proceeding for entering a plea in the criminal process.