Which of the following is NOT considered a 'criminal proceeding' critical to the process?

a.the trial
b.a juvenile detention hearing
c.sentence hearing
d.questions asked of a probationer concerning their probation status

To determine which of the options is NOT considered a 'criminal proceeding' critical to the process, we can go through each option and assess its relevance.

a. The trial is a crucial part of a criminal proceeding, where the evidence is presented, and a judgment of guilt or innocence is determined. This option is likely considered a 'criminal proceeding.'

b. A juvenile detention hearing is a legal proceeding to determine whether a juvenile should be held in detention pending the outcome of their case. This option is also likely considered a 'criminal proceeding.'

c. A sentence hearing is an essential stage in a criminal proceeding after conviction, where the court decides the appropriate sentence for the convicted individual. This option is likely considered a 'criminal proceeding.'

d. Questions asked of a probationer concerning their probation status may not be considered a 'criminal proceeding' critical to the process. While probation is a consequence of the criminal process, questioning a probationer about their probation status does not typically entail a formal legal proceeding or hearing.

Therefore, based on our analysis, option d. questions asked of a probationer concerning their probation status is the answer as it is NOT considered a 'criminal proceeding' critical to the process.