Rule 14.03 Criminal Proceedings in Circuit Courts

Judges have the option to use video calls for several parts of a criminal case before it goes to trial. This includes when someone pleads not guilty at their first court appearance, when the court hears arguments on pretrial motions, when the court holds status conferences to check on how the case is moving along, and for hearings that do not involve a jury deciding facts. Video can also be used to record a witness's testimony ahead of time so it can be used later at trial, or to let a witness testify remotely at a pretrial hearing.

There is also a special rule for children who need to testify. If a child is a witness in the case, the court can let them testify over video instead of appearing in person in the courtroom. This follows specific state laws that explain when and how child testimony can be taken this way. The goal is to make things easier and less stressful for young witnesses while still allowing their testimony to be part of the case.