Developing an Action Plan Recommendations for Setting Priorities

Case Management Committee Recommendations After information or at arraignment, court should screen cases and categorize for complexity (DCM): –Expedited-cases can move quickly –Standard-limited issues, some court involvement –Complex-ongoing and extensive court involvement BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project

Case Management Committee Recommendations Create opportunities for early case disposition –Case management conference OR –Scheduling order addressing or scheduling Filing of motions for discovery or depositions Pretrial conference or docket call date BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project

Case Management Committee Recommendations At conference or docket call: For expedited and standard cases, explore possibility of resolution Set cases that do not plead for trial date to allow discovery completion: –Identify remaining motions and set hearing –Set cutoff date for additional motions –Don’t continue the trial date save for “unusual or unanticipated circumstances BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project

Technical Assistance Visit Recommendations Make compliance reports available to all judges (and only to judges) to compare Involve committees of prosecutors and defense bar in setting time standards Tailor standards to different-sized courts Make case assignments to individual judges (even if after arraignment) BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project

Technical Assistance Visit Recommendations Use progression orders, but set a trial period NOT a trial date Enable county judges to take felony pleas Review current reports tailored to where extended delays occur helps produce good standards Avoid PSI delay by use of diversion or pretrial services to gather information BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project

Technical Assistance Visit Recommendations Require client (defendant) to be present if continuance is requested Track numbers of cases that drop out at each intermediate stage Make sure case time reports exclude warrant status cases BJA Criminal Courts Technical Assistance Project