SPMCrRLJ 3.4
                           PRESENCE OF THE DEFENDANT


(a)  When Necessary.

    (1)  Pre-trial Hearings. The assigned Judge will determine if a Pre-trial
hearing shall be scheduled after the arraignment. The defendant shall be
required to attend the Pre-trial hearing unless excused by the Court.
Failure to attend may result in issuance of a bench warrant and/or
forfeiture of any bond.

    (2)  Counter-Appearance. A defendant who receives a Jail Release
Appearance form that does not include a hearing date must appear at the
Court Appearance Counter within the time provided in the notice to obtain
a hearing date.  A defendant wishing to be represented by the Public
Defender, and who has not been screened in the last six months, will be
screened for eligibility.

(d)  Video Conference Proceedings.

    (2)(i)    Agreement.  The trial court judge may approve other trial court
proceedings, including the entry of a Statement of Defendant on Plea of
Guilty as provided by CrRLJ 4.2, upon agreement of the parties, either in
writing or on the record.


(Adopted Jan. 2, 2009; amended effective Sept. 1, 2011.)