Local Rule Rule 117.1: Status and Pretrial Conferences
D.P.R. — Criminal rule
RULE 117.1 STATUS AND PRETRIAL CONFERENCES
(a) Status Conferences.
At the earliest practical time before trial consistent with the Speedy Trial Act, the court may conduct an initial status conference. The court may at any time during the pendency of criminal proceedings schedule additional status conferences as necessary to determine the status of the case and to resolve any pending issues.
(b) Matters to Discuss at Pretrial Conferences.
The trial or leading attorneys shall appear prepared to:
(1) Discuss any discovery or other motions that have been filed by any party and await the court's ruling, including, if necessary, the scheduling of any motion to dismiss, suppress or sever;
(2) discuss any matter known to counsel that may cause a delay or continuance of the trial, including the waiver of jury trial;
(3) discuss the establishment of a reliable trial date and the probable length of trial, unless the court has issued a Scheduling Order;
(4) establish a schedule for the filing and briefing of possible motions in limine, proposed voir dire questions, jury instructions and, if appropriate, trial briefs;
(5) discuss the number of witnesses and their availability for the trial;
(6) discuss and enter into stipulations to undisputed facts or testimony of an absent witness;
(7) discuss the exclusion of materials which may be prejudicial to codefendants from admissible statements;
(8) discuss any special trial arrangement, including seating, security measures, necessity for sequestration of the jury, potential witnesses outside courthouse environs, and any other matter which may facilitate or expedite the trial;
(9) discuss the number and use of peremptory challenges;
(10) discuss the procedures on objections, the order of cross-examination, and the order of presentation of evidence and argument, where there are multiple defendants;
(11) any other aspect or matter of the case.
Any counsel or attorney who, by exception, is allowed to substitute for the trial attorney must also comply with the requirements of subsection (b)(1) through (b)(11).