Aaron Hernandez Back in Court

11:37 AM PT -- Aaron's attorney is objecting to the additional release of information regarding the case to the media, saying it's having a negative impact on Aaron's right to a fair trial. The judge wasn't convinced.

11:30 AM PT -- During the beginning of the hearing, Aaron looked at his family in court and mouthed the words "I love you." The parents of Aaron's alleged victim Odin Lloyd were also present in court. It got emotional.

11:11 AM PT -- Prosecutors have requested a continuance, asking for more time to present evidence to a grand jury. Aaron's lawyer objected, asking for the case to be dismissed because prosecutors were dragging their feet, but the judge sided with the prosecution. Aaron is due back in court for another probable cause hearing on August 22.

11:05 AM PT -- Aaron is in the courtroom, but he's not wearing a jumpsuit this time ... he's in a normal suit. No tie though!

NFL star and murder suspect Aaron Hernandez is due back in court today ... the first step before he faces a grand jury on charges he murdered 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.

It's called a probable cause hearing, which is where prosecutors are supposed to establish two things: 1) that a crime has been committed, and 2) that Hernandez committed the crime.

The probable cause hearing is meant to give prosecutors a chance to show that there's enough evidence to bring the case before a grand jury for a formal indictment, at which point a pretrial date will be set.

As we reported, Hernandez has been denied bail and will remain behind bars until he's acquitted ... or the case is dismissed.

It's possible prosecutors will file for a continuance today -- meaning they won't have to present all their evidence in court ... and they'll go straight to the grand jury stage. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11AM PST/2PM EST.