LCrRLJ 6.1
                         TRIAL BY JURY OR BY THE COURT


6.1 (a)(1)     In every criminal or traffic case in which the defendant is
entitled to a jury trial, the Clerk shall set a date for a pre-trial conference
to be held within five weeks of the date a plea of not guilty is entered.  The
purpose of said conference is to determine if discovery is completed and if
pretrial motions are necessary and to set a readiness hearing and trial date.
Discovery shall be in the hands of the party requesting same at least two (2)
working days prior to the pre-trial conference. See Local Rule LCrRLJ 8.02
concerning notice to opposing parties of the nature of pretrial motions and the
necessity of witnesses at the hearing.

     If the defendant fails to appear at any scheduled hearing without good
cause, bail will be ordered forfeited and the court will order a Bench Warrant
issued for the arrest of the defendant.

     In the event it comes to the attention of the court that there is a
likelihood that the defendant will not be available for his jury trial, as
evidenced, for example by defendant's failure to remain in contact with his
lawyer, the court will schedule an additional pre-trial conference to inquire
as to the availability of the defendant.  If the defendant does not appear, the
jury trial date will be stricken, bail forfeited, and the court will order a
bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant.

     6.1(a)(2)  Readiness conference.  A readiness hearing shall be set in all
cases set for jury trial. The prosecuting attorney, defense counsel and
defendant are required to appear at the hearing.  The court will inquire as to
whether the case is expected to go to trial; the number of witnesses to be
called by each side; the anticipated length of trial, and all motions,
discovery and plea negotiations shall be concluded.   Any case confirmed for
jury trial at the readiness hearing not proceeding to jury trial shall be
subject to such sanctions as deemed appropriate by the judge including but not
limited to jury costs, witness fees and terms.


(Adopted effective September 1, 2008)