§ 130 [Definition of Criminal Action]

The term "criminal action" is not limited to formal trials. It also covers other types of criminal proceedings, such as hearings, arraignments, and preliminary examinations.

This matters because rules that apply to "criminal actions" will apply throughout the entire criminal court process, not just at trial. So if a rule says something applies in a criminal action, it covers all the steps in a criminal case from start to finish.