SLR 22-7.015: Resolution Conferences in Criminal Proceedings

(1) At arraignment, all cases, except complex cases, will be set for a resolution conference to allow for plea agreement negotiations and the completion of discovery and investigation. The first resolution conference for in-custody cases, will be set within 21 days and, in out-of-custody cases, the first resolution conference will be within 30 days. (2) The district attorney or the assigned deputy, the defense attorney and the defendant must appear at the resolution conference, unless appearance is waived by the court. (3) At the first resolution conference, in addition to the information required by UTCR 7.010, the District Attorney or the designee thereof and Defendant, through counsel, if any, must be prepared to relate: (a) the status of the plea agreement negotiations, if any; (b) whether any scheduling or attorney conflicts exist; and (c) whether there are any discovery problems. (4) At a final resolution conference discovery, investigations, and negotiations will be complete and the case will be set for a trial or for sentencing. To continue negotiations beyond a final resolution conference good cause must be shown.