Rule 15.1 Virtual Events; Court Proceedings.

(a) Definitions. "Virtual event" means a meeting or conference conducted by telephone; or any meeting, conference, or court proceeding conducted by video; and shall include any such meeting, conference, or proceeding that includes all participants appearing virtually; as well as hybrid events where there is a mix of live and virtual participation.

(b) Consent. Any event in any court proceeding may be conducted pursuant to UMCR 15.2 as a virtual event if it is done with the consent of the parties and by agreement of the court. Absent consent, the provisions of UMCR 15.1 (c) apply.

(c) Criminal Proceedings. All matters in criminal cases, excluding trials, may be conducted pursuant to UMCR 15.2 except those for which the Constitution or other law requires in-person proceedings. Permissible matters include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

(1) Determinations of indigence and appointments of counsel;

(2) Hearings on appearance and appeal bonds;

(3) Initial appearance hearings and waiver of extradition hearings;

(4) Probable cause hearings;

(5) Applications for and issuance of arrest warrants;

(6) Applications for and issuance of search warrants;

(7) Arraignments or waivers of arraignment;

(8) Pre-trial diversion and post-sentencing compliance hearings;

(9) Entry of pleas in criminal cases;

(10) Impositions of sentences upon pleas of guilty or nolo contendere;

(11) Probation revocation hearings in cases in which the probationer admits the violation;

(12) Post-sentencing proceedings in criminal cases;

(13) Acceptance of special pleas of insanity (incompetency to stand trial);

(14) Situations involving inmates with highly sensitive medical problems or who pose a high security risk upon the court making findings as may be required by law;

(15) Testimony of youthful witnesses;

(16) Appearances of interpreters;

(17) Administration of any oaths as provided by law; and

(18) Any other matter with the consent of the parties. This rule does not abrogate any constitutional right that requires in-person proceedings. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this rule, a judge may order a defendant's personal appearance in court for any hearing.

(d) Effective Date. This rule shall be effective for any virtual event taking place on or after December 12, 2024.