Rule 24.020 Scheduling in Complex Cases with Appointed Counsel ... 24.2

If you're involved in a post-conviction case that deals with a serious underlying charge, like homicide or aggravated murder, the rules give both sides a way to adjust the normal deadlines. Either the state's lawyer or the person's appointed attorney can ask the court to hold a scheduling conference. This request needs to happen within 60 days after the appointed attorney officially takes on the case.

During this scheduling conference, the judge has the final say on whether to change any of the standard deadlines that would normally apply. This makes sense because complex cases, especially ones involving serious crimes, often need more time to review evidence, prepare arguments, and handle other case details. The judge will decide what adjustments, if any, are needed based on what the case actually requires.

This rule exists to give courts flexibility in difficult cases. Instead of forcing everyone to stick to deadlines that may not fit a complicated case, it lets attorneys ask for a more realistic timeline early on, before deadlines become a problem.