Rule 2.401 - Pretrial Conferences(A) Pretrial Conferences in Criminal Cases:(1) On the date scheduled for arraignment pursuant to Local Administrative Order No. 1985-2, a pretrial conference shall be held unless the defendant enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere when arraigned.(a) The pretrial conference may be adjourned or continued by order of the court.(b) The defendant shall be present at the pretrial conference unless excused by order of the court.(2) Scope of Conference. At the pretrial conference, the court shall: (a) Determine the need for pretrial motions, establish a cutoff date for the filing of said motions, and schedule said motions for hearing;(b) Determine whether or not there are additional witnesses sought to be endorsed by the prosecution or defendant;(c) Determine whether the defendant is raising any defense which requires notice (alibi, insanity, or incompetency) and require the filing of such notice as required by law;(d) Estimate the time required for trial;(e) Determine whether plea negotiations are completed;(f) Determine whether the defense will waive any endorsed witness;(g) Determine whether there will be any unusual legal issues or requested special jury instructions;(h) Consider all other matters that may aid in the disposition of the action; and(i) Fix a date certain for trial.Mich. L. Ct. R. Cir. Ct. 2.401
Amended effective 10/24/2019; amended effective 1/1/2023.