A pretrial hearing is a legal proceeding that occurs before a trial begins. Its main purpose is to address various issues related to the case, such as the admissibility of evidence, the status of plea negotiations, and any motions filed by the parties involved. This hearing helps streamline the trial process by resolving certain matters in advance. During a pretrial hearing, both the prosecution and defense present their arguments to the judge. The judge then makes decisions that can significantly impact the trial, including whether certain evidence can be used and if the case is ready to proceed. This process is crucial for ensuring a fair trial for the defendant.