Rule 2.9 Trial assignments

Here's what this rule means in everyday terms:

When someone pleads not guilty, the court has 7 days to set a trial date. The judge puts this in writing, telling everyone when the trial will happen.

If the defendant gives up their right to a speedy trial when they're arraigned (their first court appearance to answer the charges), things work a bit differently. Instead of setting a trial date right away, the court can hold a meeting within 30 days called a case management conference. At this meeting, the court will set the actual trial date and also decide deadlines for other important steps, like when motions need to be filed and when depositions (interviews with witnesses under oath) need to be completed.

Basically, this rule makes sure cases move forward on a schedule. It gives everyone involved, the defendant, their lawyer, and the prosecutor, clear deadlines so the case doesn't drag on without direction. If you're the defendant, this means you'll know fairly quickly when your trial will happen, unless you agree to wait longer by waiving your speedy trial right.