Judicial Profile

Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues

Motion Practice

• Given the nature of legal issues addressed at the Regional Court Center, motions are typically filed in triplicate fashion on the day of the status conference. It is preferred motions be filed via court forms in Court, over oral motions.

Other Pre-trial Practice Guidelines or Comments

• If a defendant is seeking a motion to continue, time must be waived.

Trial Practice and Protocol

Trial Schedule

• This Court’s schedule is set by court administration for sentencing, preliminary hearings, status conference, and sentencing.  
 
• While cases in need of an interpreter may be identified prior to a Regional Court Center proceeding, counsel is wise to notify the Court in advance of a hearing about this matter, so that proper accommodations can be secured.

Joint Pre-Trial Memo and/or Conference; Exhibits and Objections

• Exhibits to be used at preliminary hearings must be submitted to the clerk before the actual hearing.

Trial Practice and Procedure

• This Court’s assigned courtroom is an e-courtroom. Counsel will have access to DVD equipment, overhead screens, and outlets for laptops at the counsel table. If technology will be relied upon for a preliminary hearing, or restitution hearing, please notify the Court in advance.

Courtroom Etiquette

• Regional Court Center proceedings are very interactive. It is common for counsel to talk amongst themselves, or engage court staff throughout the proceeding. Attorneys are reminded not to talk over each other, and to provide professional courtesy to staff members.  
 
• In keeping with best courtroom decorum practices, accessories (e.g., hats, sunglasses) should be removed upon entering the courtroom, outside beverages are frown upon, and personal electronics should be turned off.  
 
• It is expected defense counsel will make use of the podium during sentencing, or change of plea. Participation in other proceedings will stem from the counsel table.