Rule 5.34 Applicability of Rule

Here's what this rule means in simple terms.

If someone's case starts on or after January 1, 2023, the new version of Rule 5 applies to them. "Starts" means the date the formal charging document, called an information, gets filed with the court.

If a case was already open and pending before January 1, 2023, that case follows the old rules. Specifically, it follows whatever version of Rule 5 was in place on December 31, 2022.

In short, this rule is about timing. It tells courts and lawyers which set of rules to use based on when a case began. It prevents confusion by making sure everyone knows which version of the rules applies to their specific case.