CRIMINAL CALL DAY PROCEDURES
The Court desires to be efficient in the use of its time and the time of the parties and their attorneys. In order to promote efficiency, the Court utilizes the following procedures:
First Pretrial Continuance
Defendants and counsel need not appear before the court on the first pretrial if it is the intent of the defendant to seek a continuance. Defense counsel may submit an order for continuance, approved by the defendant and the prosecutor, on the condition that by the time of the rescheduled pretrial, counsel will have reviewed the prosecutor’s file and with the understanding that a trial date will be set at the rescheduled pretrial, absent extraordinary circumstances. Counsels are encouraged to set trial and final dates at the first pretrial. Time for such continuances shall be charged to defendants.
Scheduling of Trials/Suppression Hearings/CCV Hearings
Scheduling of these events will occur in chambers by Judicial Assistant Jaclyn Darrah. Counsel may set trial and pretrial dates in lieu of the second pretrial, provided the trial date is within the defendant’s speedy trial deadline. Any paper trial setting must be accompanied by a certification by the prosecutor and defense counsel that selected trial date complies with the defendant’s speedy trial rights.
Prosecutor’s Diversion Screening/IILC Screening/Felony Drug Court Screening
Parties seeking admission to any of the foregoing programs may submit an agreed order (forms are available) in order to move forward with prerequisite screening. Upon submission of an agreed entry signed by counsel and the defendant, the parties need not appear before the court.
Sign In Sheets
The Court will utilize sign in sheets for call day. Counsels are requested to sign in upon arrival at court. Cases will be called by the bailiff, Kathie Jeffers, in the order in which counsels sign in, with preference being given to those cases involving prisoners.
Suggestions
Counsels are invited to offer suggestions for the improvement of call day efficiency.