Lower courts primarily handle which stages of felony cases?

Lower courts primarily handle the preliminary stages of felony cases, which typically involve the initial appearances, arraignments, and preliminary hearings. During these stages, the court assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with prosecution, sets bail, and informs defendants of their charges. This crucial phase helps to determine if the case should move forward to higher courts for trial.

In this context, it's important to understand that the preliminary stages are foundational for the judicial process, ensuring that the rights of the accused are upheld while allowing the legal system to evaluate the evidence presented against them. By focusing on these early proceedings, lower courts play a vital role in managing the flow of cases through the criminal justice system.