Readiness Conference

Rule 4.112. Readiness conference

(a) Date and appearances

The court may hold a readiness conference in felony cases within 1 to 14 days before the date set for trial. At the readiness conference:

(1)All trial counsel must appear and be prepared to discuss the case and determine whether the case can be disposed of without trial;

(2)The prosecuting attorney must have authority to dispose of the case; and

(3)The defendant must be present in court.

At a Readiness Conference, which may also be called a pre-trial conference, all parties discuss the case and try to determine if it can be settled before going to trial. The parties will also discuss any issues that may come up during the case or any legal matters that are pending. If the parties are unable to come to a settlement a trial date may be confirmed or a party may ask for an extension. A readiness hearing may be only a formality in certain cases (both parties are ready to go forward and it has been determined that a settlement is not an option).