Practices

Commencement of Action and General Procedures

General

Use common sense and work with participants in the legal system to make our legal system more accessible and responsive.

Motions and Briefs

Motions lists is checked weekly. The primary motions are pulled weekly for ruling unless oral hearing is requested. Hearings are arranged through bailiff.

Continuances

Continuances primarily handled by the bailiff.

Civil Pretrial Procedures

Settlement

Settlement conferences are available upon request; otherwise held at time of pretrial.

Pretrial conferences and orders

Clients need not be present at civil pretrials but should be available for any settlement negotiations. Pretrial statements on civil cases are appreciated and helpful but not mandatory.

Criminal Pretrial Procedures

Pretrial conferences and orders

Clients are required to be present at all criminal/traffic hearings. The court welcomes the opportunity to discus pleas, sentencing, and settlement options in criminal/traffic and civil cases.

Trial

Voir Dire

Voir dire opened by court with broad latitude for attorneys.  Challenges conducted outside presence of jury.