Defendant’s must appear in person to execute a continuance with their counsel. We do not accept electronic motions for continuance.
If there is a conflict with a court date please contact the prosecutor’s office prior to contacting the Court about appearing to execute a continuance.
The bailiff will provide a court date after the continuance is executed.
II. Motions and Memoranda
All motions should be accompanied by a separate proposed entry. Such proposed entry shall be prepared in Word and uploaded in the e-filing system.
III. Trial Procedures
Trials commence at 9:00am, Jurors will not be called until the arrival of all parties. Generally; the Court will recess for the day at 4:30pm however, these hours may be altered to accommodate witnesses’ schedules. Once a jury is sworn, we make it a priority to move trials to completion.
Proposed jury instructions should be submitted to the Court’s secretary by the second day of trial. Prior to opening statements, the Court gives an oral charge to orient jurors to their role. The final jury charge is submitted to each juror in writing in all cases. The Court has a standard set of instructions covering burden of proof, credibility, rules for deliberating, and other matters common from case to case. However, trial counsel must consult and prepare case specific portions of the final charge.
Challenges for cause are normally exercised outside the presence of the jury. Preemptory challenges are exercised in the presence of the jury.
Stipulations should be presented as early as possible during trial to minimize confusion and avoid unnecessary questioning thereafter.
Juror note-taking is not permitted.
Questions from jurors during trial are not permitted.
Counsel is expected to remain available on a ten (10) minute’s notice during jury deliberations.