Motions for pretrial release or modification of the conditions of pretrial release will not be considered unless the defendant and a knowledgeable pretrial service officer are present in court.  It is the parties' obligation to notify the pretrial services officer of court hearings and to ensure their availability or that a written report is provided in advance of the hearing.  Motions to release a defendant to a third-party custodian will not be considered unless the proposed third-party custodian is present in court and available for examination. 

Motions for modification of supervised release or early termination of supervised release will not be considered unless the defendant and the assigned probation officer are present in court.  It is the parties' obligation to notify the probation officer of court hearings and to ensure their availability. 

Due to the new procedures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal defendants are to appear in person. Defendants that are currently in custody, may seek leave to appear by telephone or video for the scheduled hearing. Counsel may follow the format in the attached template to submit an agreed order to have their client appear by telephone or video.

Video Pleas and Sentencing Assigned Judge Template Order.DRAFT (002).docx