Can the public attend a pretrial conference?
Table of Contents
Can the public attend a pretrial conference?
It all depends on the judge. If the conferences take place in the courtroom, then they are open to the public. If a judge prefers having the conferences in chambers with counsel, then not public.
Do witnesses have to go to pretrial?
All parties must attend the PTC. If a lawyer or agent represents a party they must bring the party they represent to the PTC. Witnesses are not permitted at the Pre-Trial Conference.
Does defendant have to be present at pretrial?
Does a Defendant Have to Appear at the Pretrial Hearings? In felony cases the defendant must be present at all hearings. In most misdemeanor cases an attorney can appear for the accused. If the charges involve domestic violence the accused must be present for sentencing.
What happens in a pre trial hearing?
At the pre-trial review, the magistrate or registrar will ask if you have attempted to settle the case, and if not, whether you and the defendant would be interested in trying to settle the case. For these reasons, it is important that you: ​consider getting legal advice about the strength of your case.
What is the purpose of a pre trial?
The purpose of the pretrial is to assure that all parties are prepared to go on to trial, if necessary, and to discuss alternate means of settling the dispute at an early stage of the proceedings.
