As far as I know from watching quite a few live murder trials, yes they do. It is done to protect all parties involved.
Remember, this little feral animal is “innocent until proven guilty” in our country.
A preliminary hearing should be one day tops. As I understand it, no evidence is being entered, only a plea and the probable cause statement that indicted him.
I’ve learned that the lawyer game is to draw out every legal process for as long as possible. For obvious reasons. They’re all in on it, even the court, who, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn, get a kick-back.