RULE  4.4 TRIAL READINESS HEARING


(a)  Readiness Hearing Set.   The Court shall, in its
discretion, set trial readiness hearings in criminal cases set for
trial.

(b)  Appearance.    Appearance by the attorneys and the
defendant is required. Appearance by the attorneys who will be trying
the case is preferred. For good cause, substitute counsel may attend
on behalf of trial counsel so long as counsel is prepared to answer the
inquiries of the court.

(c)  Procedure at Hearing.  At the trial readiness hearing,
the Judge may inquire as to whether the case is expected to go to trial,
whether the defendant expects to waive his/her right to jury, the number of
witnesses expected to be called, the anticipated length of the trial,
the number and nature of any motions and any other matter necessary to administer the trial
efficiently.  Any anticipated problems should be brought to the court’s attention.

(d)  Failure to Appear at Hearing.   The Court will strike the jury trial and
may issue a bench warrant for a party who fails to appear at
the Readiness Hearing.


{ Adopted effective September 1, 2002 }