PRETRIAL

Plea Negotiation:

Prefers active involvement in plea negotiation process.

May become involved in designating additional conditions or making a separate plea offer.

Continuances:

Clear with opposing counsel. Judicial Assistant will remove and reset.

Discovery Issues:

When discovery disputes occur, counsel must confer and make a good faith attempt to resolve them without a hearing. If a hearing must be held, it should be timely scheduled in order to avoid potential trial delay.

Deposition Disputes:

Attempt to contact the judge in order to resolve the issue during the deposition.

Miscellaneous Problem Resolution:
Will accept phone call, absent potential improper ex parte communication problem.

TRIAL

Motions in limine:

Heard before the day of trial at a scheduled hearing.

Courtroom Etiquette:

Counsel should request permission to approach the bench.
When the jury enters or exits the courtroom, counsel and the defendant should stand.

Voir Dire Procedure Preference:

Prefer attorneys inquire of the entire panel. Seating chart with jurors names will be provided.


JUVENILE COURT POINTERS

Motions are scheduled directly by the juvenile clerk's office.

Schedule for hearings - Monday through Thursdays
9:00 a.m. - Motion hearings
10:00 a.m. - Arraignments
1:00 p.m. - Restitution hearings, Motions to Suppress, Denial Hearings (Juvenile Trials)

Motions must be set at least 48 hours in advance. Emergency motions may be heard on an Emergency Docket, scheduled through the Judicial Assistant.

All Pretrials are scheduled for Fridays at 9:00 a.m. Attorneys with scheduling conflicts may contact the Judicial Assistant for continuances.