PRETRIAL

Plea Negotiation

Prefers active involvement in plea negotiation process.

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

Continuances

Hearing continuances must be cleared with opposing counsel, Judicial Assistant will remove and reset.

Trial continuances may be discussed with counsel in chambers.

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

In every instance, certify the question and schedule a hearing.

Miscellaneous Problem Resolution

Will not discuss any aspect of the case without both counsel present.

TRIAL

Motions in limine

Must be 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 remain seated.

Counsel should state the legal grounds for objections without further argument. Any additional argument will be the subject of a conference at sidebar.

Voir Dire Procedure Preference

Prefer attorneys inquire of the entire panel. Seating chart with jurors names will be provided. Generally, no more than thirteen jurors will be needed on a panel for a County Court trial. Prefer to place the panel in the jury box, or seated in front.