Georgia Uniform Probate Court Rules - 07-01-12 Word

8/16/2019 Georgia Uniform Probate Court Rules - 07-01-12 Word

1/47

0

UNIFORM PROBATE COURT RULES


2/47

1

Table of Contents

Rule 1. Preliminary Provisions........................................................................................................7

1.1 Repeal of local rules.............................................................................................................. 7

1.2 Matters of statewide concern................................................................................................. 7

1.3 Deviation................................................................................................................................7

1.4 Amendments...........................................................................................................................7

1.5 Pulication of rules and amendments.................................................................................... 7

Rule 2. Definitions.......................................................................................................................... !

2.1 "on#se$ist pronouns.............................................................................................................. !

2.2 %ud&e.......................................................................................................................................!

2.3 'ler(...................................................................................................................................... !

2.4 Attorney................................................................................................................................. !

2.5 Plaintiff)Defendant)Petition. ................................................................................................. !

2.* Areviation of t+e 'ode.......................................................................................................!

2.7 Article * Proate 'ourts........................................................................................................ !

2.! Article * Proate 'ourts ## concurrent ,urisdiction wit+ superior courts...............................!

Rule 3. -fficers of t+e 'ourt............................................................................................................

3.1 %ud&es.....................................................................................................................................

3.2 Appointment of attorney to act in ,ud&e/s asence................................................................

3.3 Attorneys...............................................................................................................................

3.3.1 0ntry of appearance........................................................................................................

3.3.2 it+drawal. .................................................................................................................. 1

3.3.3 pecial admission of attorneys from ot+er states. ........................................................ 11


3/47

2

3.3.4 0ntries of appearance and wit+drawals y memers or employees of law firms or

professional corporations....................................................................................................... 11

3.3.5 "otification of representation....................................................................................... 11

3.3.* imeliness of notice...................................................................................................... 11

3.3.7 "otice of settlements or dismissals. ............................................................................. 11

3.3.! Duty to attend and remain in court............................................................................... 12

3.3. indin& aut+ority.......................................................................................................... 12

3.3.1 "umer of ar&uments................................................................................................. 12

3.3.11 "otice of sustitution of counsel................................................................................ 12

3.3.12 Duty to utili6e assi&ned ,ud&e notification of previous presentation to anot+er ,ud&e................................................................................................................................................ 12

Rule 4. 'ourt Records....................................................................................................................12

4.1 Access to court files. ........................................................................................................... 12

4.2 8nte&rity of ori&inal court records. ..................................................................................... 12

4.3 'opies of records................................................................................................................. 13

4.4 9imitation of access ## motions and orders......................................................................... 13

4.5 9imitation of access ## findin& of +arm............................................................................... 13

4.* 9imitation of access ## review............................................................................................. 13

4.7 9imitation of access ## amendments.................................................................................... 13

Rule 5. 'ourt Procedure.................................................................................................................13

5.1 0$ parte communications.................................................................................................... 13

5.2 0$ parte orders. .................................................................................................................. 13

5.3 Pleadin&s and filin&............................................................................................................. 13

5.3.1 Preparation of documents............................................................................................. 13

5.3.2 ime of doc(etin&......................................................................................................... 14


4/47

3

5.3.3 'aption.......................................................................................................................... 14

5.3.4 i&natures. ................................................................................................................... 14

5.3.5 9ocation of ori&inal...................................................................................................... 14

5.3.* +en documents considered filed................................................................................ 14

5.3.7 0ffective date of orders................................................................................................. 14

5.3.! Minutes and final record............................................................................................... 14

5.3. :ilin& of transcripts....................................................................................................... 14

5.3.1 :ile cate&ories............................................................................................................. 14

5.3.11 :ile identification........................................................................................................ 14

5.3.12 :ilin& re;uirements..................................................................................................... 15

5.3.13 Return of service......................................................................................................... 15

5.3.14 Advance costs............................................................................................................. 15

5.4


5/47

45

*.3 ?earin&................................................................................................................................ 1

*.4 Motions for summary ,ud&ment.......................................................................................... 1

*.5 ime for filin& summary ,ud&ment motions....................................................................... 1

*.* Motions in emer&encies. ..................................................................................................... 1

*.7 Motions for new trial @applies to Article * Proate 'ourts only........................................ 2

*.! Default ,ud&ments pursuant to -'


6/47

1.5 ettin& contested +earin&s..................................................................................................3

1.* 'ontinuances..................................................................................................................... 3

1.7 0$cusals from courtroom...................................................................................................3

1.! Ar&uments......................................................................................................................... 3

1. Dismissal for failure to appear. ........................................................................................ 31

1.1 0lectronic and p+oto&rap+ic news covera&e of ,udicial proceedin&s. ........................... 31

1.11 %ury trials @Article * Proate 'ourts................................................................................33

Rule 11. elep+one and Cideo#'onferencin&................................................................................34

11.1 elep+one conferencin&..................................................................................................... 34

11.2 Cideo#conferencin&............................................................................................................35

Rule 12. Appeals............................................................................................................................3*

12.1 Appeals ## preparation of record.........................................................................................3*

Rule 13. 'ouncil of Proate 'ourt %ud&es of


7/47

6

15.* Pleas. .................................................................................................................................41

15.*.1 Alternatives................................................................................................................. 41

15.*.2 Aid of counsel ## time for delieration........................................................................42

15.*.3 Propriety of plea discussions and plea a&reements. ....................................................42

15.*.4 Attorney#client relations+ip........................................................................................ 42

15.*.5 Responsiilities of t+e trial ,ud&e................................................................................42

15.*.* 'onsideration of plea in final disposition....................................................................43

15.*.7 Determinin& voluntariness of plea.............................................................................. 43

15.*.! Defendant to e informed............................................................................................44

15.*. Determinin& accuracy of plea......................................................................................44

15.*.1 tatin& intention to re,ect t+e plea a&reement. ..........................................................44

15.*.11 Record of proceedin&s...............................................................................................44

15.*.12 Plea wit+drawal.........................................................................................................45

15.7 Doc(ets.............................................................................................................................. 45

15.! 8nitial appearance)commitment +earin&s. .........................................................................45

15. Appointment of counsel for indi&ent defendants...............................................................4*


8/47

7

Rule 1. Preliminar Pro!isions

Pursuant to t+e in+erent powers of t+e 'ourt and Article C8= ection 8= Para&rap+ 8 of t+e


9/47

8

Rule $. (efinitions

$.1 Non+se,ist "ronouns.

:or t+e sa(e of revity only= t+e pronoun E+eF s+all include Es+eF and vice versa= unlesst+e conte$t clearly indicates ot+erwise t+e pronoun E+erF s+all include E+imF and vice versa=unless t+e conte$t clearly indicates ot+erwise.

$.$ -u&e.

+e word E,ud&eF as used in t+ese rules refers to any of t+e several active ,ud&es of t+e proate courts of


10/47

9

@A Declaratory ,ud&ments@ a$#motivated estate plannin& dispositions of wards/ property@' Approval of settlement a&reements@D Appointment of new trustees@0 Acceptance of resi&nation of a trustee at eneficiaries/ written re;uest

@: Acceptance of resi&nation of trustee upon petition of trustee@


11/47

10

telep+one numer of t+e attorney. +e filin& of any pleadin&= unless ot+erwise specified y t+e proate court= s+all constitute an appearance y t+e person@s si&nin& suc+ pleadin&.

Any attorney w+o +as een admitted to practice in t+is state ut w+o fails to maintainactive memers+ip in &ood standin& in t+e tate ar of nless t+e wit+drawal is wit+ t+e client/s consent= t+e client/s ri&+t to o,ect wit+in

ten @1 days of t+e date of t+e notice.

+e attorney see(in& to wit+draw s+all prepare a written notification certificate statin&t+at t+e aove notification re;uirements +ave een met= t+e manner y w+ic+ suc+ notificationwas &iven to t+e client and t+e client/s last (nown address and telep+one numer. +enotification certificate s+all e filed wit+ t+e court and a copy mailed to t+e client and all ot+er parties. +e client s+all +ave ten @1 days prior to entry of an order permittin& wit+drawal or suc+ lesser time as t+e court may permit wit+in w+ic+ to file o,ections to t+e wit+drawal. After t+e entry of an order permittin& wit+drawal= t+e client s+all e notified y t+e wit+drawin&attorney of t+e effective date of t+e wit+drawal t+ereafter all notices or ot+er papers may eserved on t+e party directly y mail at t+e last (nown address of t+e party until new counselenters an appearance.


12/47


13/47

12

'.'.4 (ut to atten& an& remain in #ourt.

u,ect to t+e provisions of Rule *.11= attorneys +avin& matters on calendars= or w+o areot+erwise directed to do so= unless e$cused y t+e court= are re;uired to e in court at t+e call of t+e matter and to remain until ot+erwise directed y t+e court. +ould t+e ,ud&e temporarilye$cuse counsel from t+e courtroom efore t+e matter is concluded suc+ attorney@s s+all return as

directed. :ailure of any attorney in t+is respect s+all su,ect +im to t+e contempt powers of t+ecourt.

'.'.8 Bin&in aut2orit.

An attorney of record +as apparent aut+ority to enter into a&reements on e+alf of +isclient@s. -ral a&reements= if estalis+ed= are enforceale.

'.'.19 Number of aruments.

"ot more t+an two attorneys s+all e permitted to ar&ue any case for any party e$cept yleave of court in no event s+all more t+an one attorney for eac+ party e +eard in concludin&ar&ument.

'.'.11 Noti#e of substitution of #ounsel.

+en an attorney +as already filed an entry of appearance and t+e client wis+es tosustitute counsel= it will not e necessary for t+e former attorney to comply wit+ Rule 3.3.2.8nstead= t+e former attorney may file wit+ t+e cler( a notice of sustitution of counsel si&ned yt+e party and t+e former attorney. +e notice s+all contain t+e style of t+e case and t+e name=address= telep+one numer and ar numer of t+e sustitute counsel. A copy of t+e notice s+all eserved on t+e sustitute counsel= opposin& counsel or party if unrepresented= and t+e assi&ned ,ud&e. "o ot+er or furt+er action s+all e re;uired y t+e former attorney to wit+draw fromrepresentin& t+e party. +e sustitution s+all not delay any proceedin& or +earin& in t+e case.

'.'.1$ (ut to utili:e assine& 5u&e; notifi#ation of "re!ious "resentation to anot2er 5u&e.

Attorneys s+all not present to any ,ud&e any matter or issue in any case w+ic+ +as eenassi&ned to or a rulin& made y anot+er ,ud&e= e$cept under t+e most compellin& circumstances.8n t+at event= any attorney doin& so s+all first advise t+e ,ud&e to w+om t+e matter is presentedt+at t+e action is assi&ned to or a rulin& +as een made y anot+er ,ud&e. 'ounsel s+all alsoinform t+e assi&ned or previous rulin& ,ud&e as soon as possile t+at t+e matter was presented toanot+er ,ud&e. Attorneys s+all not present to a ,ud&e any matter w+ic+ +as een previously presented to anot+er ,ud&e wit+out first advisin& t+e former of t+e fact and t+e result of suc+ previous presentation.

Rule ). Court Re#or&s

).1 A##ess to #ourt files.

All court records are pulic and are to e availale for pulic inspection unless pulicaccess is limited y law or y t+e procedure set fort+ elow.

).$ Interit of oriinal #ourt re#or&s.

"o ori&inal papers may e wit+drawn from t+e proate court.


14/47

13

).' Co"ies of re#or&s.

'opies of records may e otained for a reasonale cost.

).) Limitation of a##ess ++ motions an& or&ers.

>pon motion y any party to any action= t+e court may limit access to court filesrespectin& t+at action w+ic+ would ot+erwise e pulic. +e order of limitation s+all specify t+e part of t+e file to w+ic+ access is limited= t+e nature and duration of t+e limitation= and t+e reasonfor limitation.

).* Limitation of a##ess ++ fin&in of 2arm.

An order limitin& access s+all not e &ranted e$cept upon a findin& t+at t+e +armot+erwise resultin& to t+e privacy of a person in interest clearly outwei&+s t+e pulic interest.

). Limitation of a##ess ++ re!ie%.

A copy of an order limitin& access s+all e transmitted to and su,ect to review y t+e

upreme 'ourt.

).3 Limitation of a##ess ++ amen&ments.

>pon notice to all parties of record and after +earin&= an order limitin& access may ereviewed and amended y t+e court enterin& suc+ order or y t+e upreme 'ourt at any time onits own motion or upon t+e motion of any person for &ood cause.

Rule *. Court Pro#e&ure

*.1 E, "arte #ommuni#ations.

0$cept as aut+ori6ed y law= rule= or canon= ,ud&es s+all neit+er initiate nor consider e$

parte communications y interested parties or t+eir attorneys concernin& a pendin& or impendin& proceedin&.

*.$ E, "arte or&ers.

>nder compellin& circumstances= a motion for temporary limitation of access= not toe$ceed t+irty @3 days= may e &ranted= e$ parte= upon motion accompanied y supportin&affidavit.

*.' Plea&ins an& filin.

*.'.1 Pre"aration of &o#uments.

o t+e e$tent practical= all materials presented for filin& in any proate court s+all etyped= le&ily written or printed in lac( in( suitale for reproduction= on opa;ue w+ite paper measurin& !1)2I $ 11I of a &ood ;uality= &rade and wei&+t= on only one side of t+e paper.Manuscript covers and ac(in&s s+all e omitted w+erever practical. Preparation of wills on!1)2I $ 11I paper is encoura&ed ut not mandatory.


15/47

14

*.'.$ Time of &o#/etin.

Actions s+all e entered y t+e cler( in t+e proper doc(et immediately or wit+in areasonale period after ein& received in t+e cler(/s office= provided t+e filin& re;uirements pursuant to Rule 5.3.12 +ave een complied wit+ y t+e filin& party.

*.'.' Ca"tion.0very document or pleadin& presented for filin& in a proate court s+all ear a captionw+ic+ sets out t+e e$act nature of t+e pleadin& or t+e type of petition.

*.'.) Sinatures.

All ,ud&ments= orders= pleadin&s and ot+er documents s+all ear t+e si&nature of t+eresponsile attorney or party w+o prepared t+e document= and +is name= proper address andtelep+one numer s+all e typed or printed underneat+. 8f a party is represented in t+e matter yan attorney of record= t+at attorney must si&n t+e document to e filed for t+e document to eeli&ile for filin&.

*.'.* Lo#ation of oriinal.All ori&inal documents= petitions and pleadin&s s+all remain in t+e custody of t+e courte$cept as provided y t+e ,ud&e= t+ese rules= or as ot+erwise provided y law.

*.'. 72en &o#uments #onsi&ere& file&.

+e filin& of pleadin&s and ot+er papers wit+ t+e court s+all e made y filin& t+em wit+t+e cler(= e$cept t+at t+e ,ud&e may permit t+e papers to e filed wit+ +im= in w+ic+ event +es+all note t+ereon t+e filin& date and fort+wit+ transmit t+em to t+e office of t+e cler(.

*.'.3 Effe#ti!e &ate of or&ers.

An order is effective on t+e date and at t+e time it is filed. An order may reflect an

effective date prior to t+e time of filin& if t+e order is si&ned nunc pro tunc.

*.'.4 Minutes an& final re#or&.

+ere s+all e one or more oo(s= di&ital records= or microfilm records (ept in accordancewit+ -'


16/47

15

*.'.1$ Filin re


17/47

16

*.*.' Use of information. Ot2er 2ouse2ol& members.

All information received y a proate court pursuant to t+is Rule s+all e consideredconfidential and s+all e disclosed y t+e proate court or its staff only as aut+ori6ed y nless t+e court specifically assumes t+e responsiility= it is t+e responsiility of t+e petitioner to prepare a proper citation.

@ 0very citation s+all include a statement t+at all o,ections to t+e petition must e inwritin&= settin& fort+ t+e &rounds of any suc+ o,ections= and must e filed wit+ t+e court at or

efore t+e time stated in t+e citation.@' >nless t+e court specifically assumes t+e responsiility= it is t+e responsiility of t+e petitioner to see t+at all citations w+ic+ must e personally served are delivered to t+e proper s+eriff/s office or special a&ent for service of process.

@D >nless t+e court specifically assumes t+e responsiility= it is t+e responsiility of t+emovin& party= in connection wit+ any citation w+ic+ must e served y mail= includin& wit+outlimitation a citation concernin& an application for year/s support= to provide to t+e court a properly stamped envelope= addressed to eac+ interested party= wit+ t+e return address of t+e proate court appearin& t+ereon.

@0 >nless t+e court directs ot+erwise= t+e court will deliver all citations w+ic+ are to e pulis+ed in t+e county w+ere t+e petition is filed to t+e le&al newspaper of t+at county.

@: 8f a citation is to e pulis+ed only one time= t+en it s+all e pulis+ed at least ten@1 days in advance of t+e date estalis+ed as t+e deadline for filin& o,ections.

@


18/47

1718

@' 8f t+e asis of t+e motion is t+at a party necessary to t+e court/s ,urisdiction +as eendismissed durin& or at t+e conclusion of t+e trial= t+e motion s+all e made immediately andorally any opposition s+all e made orally. +ould t+e motion to transfer e &ranted as to t+eremainin& parties t+e claim a&ainst t+e party dismissed s+all e severed= so t+at t+e order of dismissal will e final for purposes of appeal.

@D >nless ot+erwise ordered y t+e court= notice of a written motion to transfer s+all eserved upon all parties= includin& any w+o failed to file pleadin&s in t+e matter at least ten @1days efore t+e motion is +eard. A party opposin& a written motion to transfer s+all notify t+ecourt and all ot+er parties in writin& wit+in ten @1 days after service upon t+at party of t+emotion to transfer suc+ notice s+all desi&nate t+e asis upon w+ic+ it is claimed t+at t+e court inw+ic+ t+e action pends +as ,urisdiction and upon w+ic+ venue is claimed to e proper.

@0 +en a motion to transfer is filed= t+e court may stay all ot+er proceedin&s in t+e pendin& action until determination of t+e motion.

@: "o action or proceedin& may e transferred e$cept upon written order of t+e court inw+ic+ t+e action pends @transferor court= reasonale notice of w+ic+ s+all e &iven to all parties.+is order s+all specify t+e court to w+ic+ t+e matter is to e transferred @transferee court= and

s+all state t+at unless plaintiff pays all accrued court costs wit+in twenty @2 days of mailin& or delivery of t+e cost ill to plaintiff= t+e action s+all automatically stand dismissed wit+out pre,udice.

+e court rulin& upon a motion to transfer may award reasonale attorney/s fees to t+e prevailin& party if t+e court &rants t+e motion= transfer costs of J5 s+all e ta$ed= unless t+ecourt e$pressly determines ot+erwise= in its discretion.

@pon timely payment of costs= t+e cler( of t+e transferor court s+all ma(e and retaincopies of @1 t+e complaint or initial pleadin&= @2 t+e motion to transfer= if in writin&= and @3 t+eorder of transfer. +e ori&inals of all pleadin&s= orders= depositions and ot+er papers on file s+all e inde$ed and certified y t+e cler( of t+e transferor court and transmitted= wit+ t+e transfer cost@if applicale= to t+e cler( of t+e transferee court in t+e manner provided y law for transmittal of records to appellate courts.

@8 >pon receipt of t+e items specified in para&rap+ @? of t+is rule= t+e cler( of t+etransferee court s+all assi&n t+e action an appropriate numer and notify all parties and t+eir respective counsel of record t+ereof. +e action t+ereafter s+all continue in t+e transferee court ast+ou&+ initially commenced t+ere all items specified in para&rap+ @? of t+is rule s+all edeemed amended accordin&ly. 8t s+all not e necessary t+at service of process e perfected asecond time upon parties defendant= e$cept t+at any pulication re;uired to e made in anewspaper in t+e proper venue s+all e repulis+ed. Any interlocutory or ot+er order t+eretoforeentered in t+e action= upon t+e motion of any party= s+all e reviewed= and t+ereafter reissued or vacated y t+e court to w+ic+ t+e action was transferred.

*.8 Stan&ar& forms.


19/47

19

@A A form= includin& any instructions= s+all e considered adopted w+en it +as eenapproved y a ma,ority of a ;uorum of proate ,ud&es present at a meetin& of t+e 'ouncil of Proate 'ourt %ud&es of


20/47

'ommittee of t+e 'ouncil of Proate 'ourt %ud&es of nless ot+erwise ordered y t+e court= all motions in civil actions= includin& t+ose for summary ,ud&ment= may e decided y t+e court wit+out oral +earin&= e$cept motions for newtrial and motions for ,ud&ment notwit+standin& t+e verdict.

Provided= +owever= oral ar&ument on a motion for summary ,ud&ment s+all e permittedupon written re;uest made in a separate pleadin& earin& t+e caption of t+e case and entitledERe;uest for -ral ?earin&F= and provided t+at suc+ pleadin& is filed wit+ t+e motion for summary ,ud&ment or filed not later t+an five @5 days after t+e time for response.

.) Motions for summar 5u&ment.

>pon any motion for summary ,ud&ment pursuant to t+e


21/47

20

an immediate +earin& on any matter re;uirin& suc+ e$pedited procedure. +e motion s+all setfort+ in detail t+e necessity for suc+ e$pedited procedure.

.3 Motions for ne% trial @a""lies to Arti#le Probate Courts onl.

@A ime for ?earin&. 8n order to reduce delay etween t+e conclusion of t+e trial and

t+e filin& of t+e notice of appeal= t+e trial court may +ear motions for new trial immediately after filin& and prior to t+e preparation of t+e transcript of proceedin&s. 8n any event= t+e motion for new trial s+all e +eard and decided as promptly as possile.

@ ranscript 'osts. 0$cept w+ere leave to proceed in forma pauperis +as een &ranted=an attorney or party w+o files a motion for new trial= or a notice of appeal w+ic+ specifies t+at t+etranscript of evidence or +earin& s+all e included in t+e record= s+all e personally responsile for compensatin& t+e court reporter for t+e cost of transcription. +e filin& of suc+ motion or notices+all constitute a certificate y t+e attorney or party t+at t+e transcript +as een ordered from t+ecourt reporter. +e filin& of suc+ motion or notice prior to orderin& t+e transcript from t+e reporter s+all su,ect t+e attorney or party to disciplinary action y t+e court.

.4 (efault 5u&ments "ursuant to OC=A 1*+8+)3.Default ,ud&ments may e entered in any case pendin& efore t+e court in w+ic+ ananswer= caveat= or ot+er responsive pleadin& +as not een filed wit+in t+e time re;uired y law or y order of t+e court. 8f re;uired y t+e court= t+e party see(in& entry of a default ,ud&ment in anyaction s+all certify to t+e court t+e date and type of service effected as s+own y court recordsand t+at t+ere +as een no defensive pleadin& from any party a&ainst w+om t+e default ,ud&mentis sou&+t. +en re;uired= any suc+ certificate s+all e in writin& and must e attac+ed to t+e proposed default ,ud&ment w+en presented to t+e ,ud&e for si&nature.

Any party see(in& to open a default must ma(e t+e re;uired s+owin& in writin& under oat+. +e court may t+en enter an order= wit+out notice or +earin&= &rantin& or denyin& t+ere;uest to open t+e default.

.8 Lea!es of absen#e.

@A 9eaves for t+irty @3 calendar days or less

An attorney of record s+all e entitled to a leave of asence for t+irty @3 days or lessfrom court appearance in pendin& matters w+ic+ are neit+er on a pulis+ed calendar for courtappearance= nor noticed for a +earin& durin& t+e re;uested time= y sumittin& to t+e cler( at leastt+irty @3 calendar days prior to t+e effective date for t+e proposed leave= a written noticecontainin&G

1. A list of t+e actions to e protected= includin& t+e action numers2. +e reason for t+e leave of asence and3. +e duration of t+e re;uested leave of asence.

A copy of t+e notice s+all e sent= contemporaneously= to t+e ,ud&e efore w+om anaction is pendin& and all opposin& counsel. >nless opposin& counsel files a written o,ectionwit+in ten @1 days wit+ t+e cler(= wit+ a copy to t+e court and all counsel of record= or t+e courtresponds denyin& t+e leave= suc+ leave will stand &ranted wit+out entry of an order. 8f o,ection isfiled= t+e court= upon re;uest of any counsel= will conduct a conference wit+ all counsel todetermine w+et+er t+e court will= y order= &rant t+e re;uested leave of asence.


22/47

21

+e cler( s+all retain leave of asence notices in a c+ronolo&ical file si$ty @* days after t+e leave period t+ereafter= t+e notices may e discarded.

@ 9eaves for more t+an t+irty @3 calendar days or t+ose eit+er on a pulis+ed calendar=noticed for a +earin&= or not meetin& t+e time re;uirements of Rule *. @A.

Application for leaves of asence for more t+an t+irty @3 days= or t+ose eit+er on a

pulis+ed calendar= noticed for a +earin&= or not sumitted wit+in t+e time limits contained inRule *. @A aove= must e in writin&= filed wit+ t+e cler(= and served upon opposin& counsel atleast ten @1 days prior to sumission to t+e appropriate ,ud&e of t+e court in w+ic+ an action pends. +is time period may e waived if opposin& counsel consents in writin& to t+e application.+is procedure permits opposin& counsel to o,ect or to consent to t+e &rant of t+e application= ut t+e application is addressed to t+e discretion of t+e court. uc+ application for leave of asence s+all containG

1. A list of t+e actions to e protected= includin& t+e action numers2. +e reason for t+e leave of asence3. +e duration of t+e re;uested leave of asence and4. +et+er any +earin&s or trials +ave een sc+eduled and= if so= t+e date of said +earin&

or trial. @' 0$cusal from court appearances.A leave w+en &ranted s+all relieve any attorney from all trials= +earin&s= depositions= and

ot+er le&al appearances in t+at matter.+is rule s+all not e$tend any deadline set y law or t+e court.

.19 Re#usal.

@A MotionsAll motions to recuse or dis;ualify a ,ud&e presidin& in a particular case or proceedin&

s+all e in writin&= accompanied y an affidavit assertin& t+e facts upon w+ic+ t+e motion isfounded= and timely filed. :ilin& and presentation to t+e ,ud&e s+all e not later t+an five @5 daysafter t+e affiant first learned of t+e alle&ed &rounds for dis;ualification= and not later t+an ten @1days prior to t+e +earin& or trial w+ic+ is t+e su,ect of recusal or dis;ualification= unless &oodcause e s+own for failure to meet suc+ re;uirements. 8n no event s+all t+e motion e allowed todelay t+e trial or proceedin&.

@ Duty of t+e trial ,ud&e+en a ,ud&e is presented wit+ a motion to recuse= or dis;ualify= accompanied y an

affidavit= t+e ,ud&e s+all temporarily cease to act upon t+e merits of t+e matter= and s+allimmediately determine t+e timeliness of t+e motion and t+e le&al sufficiency of t+e affidavit= andma(e a determination= assumin& any of t+e facts alle&ed in t+e affidavit to e true= w+et+er recusalwould e warranted. 8f it is found t+at t+e motion is timely= t+e affidavit sufficient and t+at recusalwould e aut+ori6ed if some or all of t+e facts set fort+ in t+e affidavit are true= t+e ,ud&e s+allimmediately forward t+e matter to t+e '+ief uperior 'ourt %ud&e of t+e same circuit.

@' Coluntary recusal8f a ,ud&e= eit+er on +is own motion or t+at of one of t+e parties= voluntarily dis;ualifies

+imself= t+e case s+all e immediately transferred to t+e '+ief uperior 'ourt %ud&e of t+e samecircuit to +ear or assi&n t+e matter for +earin& or trial accordin& to t+e ;ualifications set fort+ inRule *.1 @D.


23/47

22

@D ?earin& motion to recuse+e '+ief uperior 'ourt %ud&e from t+e same circuit s+all +ear t+e motion to determine

w+et+er t+e recusal is warranted. +e '+ief uperior 'ourt %ud&e may assi&n any or all of suc+duties to a proate ,ud&e from anot+er county= senior proate ,ud&e= sittin& or retired ,ud&e or attorney admitted to t+e tate ar of


24/47

23

lead counsel/s firm certifies t+at in spite of compliance wit+ t+is rule= t+e attorney +as eenunale to resolve t+ese conflicts and certifies in t+e notice a proposed resolution y list of suc+cases in t+e order of priority specified y t+is rule.

@ +en an attorney is sc+eduled for a day certain y trial calendar= special settin& or court order to appear in two or more courts @trial or appellate state or federal= t+e attorney s+all

&ive prompt written notice as specified in @A aove of t+e conflict to opposin& counsel= to t+ecler( of eac+ court and to t+e ,ud&e efore w+om eac+ action is set for +earin& @or= to anappropriate ,ud&e if t+ere +as een no desi&nation of a presidin& ,ud&e. +e written notice s+allcontain t+e attorney/s proposed resolution of t+e appearance conflicts in accordance wit+ t+e priorities estalis+ed y t+is rule and s+all set fort+ t+e order of cases to e tried wit+ a listin& of t+e date and data re;uired y @ 1.#4. as to eac+ case arran&ed in t+e order in w+ic+ t+e casess+ould prevail under t+is rule. 8n t+e asence of o,ection from opposin& counsel or t+e courtsaffected= t+e proposed order of conflict resolution s+all stand as offered. +ould a ,ud&e wis+ toc+an&e t+e order of cases to e tried= suc+ notice s+all e &iven promptly after a&reement isreac+ed etween t+e affected ,ud&es. Attorneys confronted y suc+ conflicts are e$pected to &ivewritten notice suc+ t+at it will e received at least seven @7 days prior to t+e date of conflict.

Asent a&reement= conflicts s+all e promptly resolved y t+e ,ud&e or t+e cler( of eac+ affectedcourt in accordance wit+ t+e followin& order of prioritiesG1. 'riminal @felony actions s+all prevail over civil actions. 'riminal actions in w+ic+ a

demand for speedy trial +as een timely filed pursuant to -'


25/47

24

mont+s after t+e filin& of t+e answer= unless for cause s+own t+e time +as een e$tended or s+ortened y court order.

@ 8n Article * Proate 'ourts as defined in Rule 2.7= in order for a party to utili6e t+ecourt/s compulsory process to compel discovery= any desired discovery procedures must first ecommenced promptly= pursued dili&ently and completed wit+out unnecessary delay= and wit+in

si$ @* mont+s after t+e filin& of t+e answer= o,ection= or ot+er response. At any time= t+e court=in its discretion= may e$tend= reopen or s+orten t+e time for discovery.

3.$ Filin renless ot+erwise aut+ori6ed y t+e court or stipulated y t+e parties= t+e duration of adeposition is limited to one @1 day of seven @7 +ours. +e court must allow additional time if needed for a fair e$amination of t+e deponent or if t+e deponent or anot+er person or ot+er circumstance impedes or delays t+e e$amination.

3.) Failure to ma/e &is#o!er an& motion to #om"el &is#o!er.

@A Prior to filin& a motion to compel discovery= counsel for t+e movin& party s+allconfer wit+ counsel for t+e opposin& party in a &ood fait+ effort to resolve t+e matters involved.At t+e time of filin& t+e motion= counsel s+all also file a statement certifyin& t+at suc+conference +as occurred= and t+at t+e effort to resolve y a&reement t+e issues raised failed. 8f some of t+e issues +ave een resolved y a&reement= t+e statement s+all specify t+e issuesremainin& unresolved.

@ Motions to compel discovery in accordance wit+ -'


26/47

25

comple$ity and t+e reasonale time re;uirements for preparation for pre#trial. 8n t+e event a pre#trial conference is ordered= t+e followin& s+all apply.

A calendar will e pulis+ed or a written order issued specifyin& t+e time and place for t+e pre#trial conference. +e court will consider t+e issues stated in -'


27/47

26

@4 8f applicale= t+e ,ury will e ;ualified as to relations+ip wit+ t+e followin&G

@5 a. All discovery +as een completed= unless ot+erwise noted= and t+e court will notconsider any furt+er motions to compel discovery e$cept for &ood cause s+own. +e parties=

+owever= s+all e permitted to ta(e depositions of any person@s for t+e preservation of evidencefor use at trial. . >nless ot+erwise noted= t+e names of t+e parties as s+own in t+e caption to t+is order

are correct and complete and t+ere is no ;uestion y any party as to t+e mis,oinder or non,oinder of any parties.

@* +e followin& is t+e Plaintiff/s rief and succinct outline of t+e case and contentionsG@>0 PA'0 A "00D0D

@7 +e followin& is t+e Defendant/s rief and succinct outline of t+e case and contentionsG@>0 PA'0 A "00D0D

@! +e issues for determination are as followsG

@ +e followin& facts are stipulatedG

@1 +e followin& is a list of all documentary and p+ysical evidence t+at will etendered at t+e trial y t+e Plaintiff or Defendant. >nless noted= t+e parties +ave stipulated as tot+e aut+enticity of t+e documents listed and t+e e$+iits listed may e admitted wit+out furt+er proof of aut+enticity. All e$+iits s+all e mar(ed y counsel prior to trial so as not to delay t+etrial.

a. y t+e PlaintiffG

. y t+e DefendantG

@11 pecial aut+orities relied upon y Plaintiff relatin& to peculiar evidentiary or ot+er le&al ;uestions are as followsGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

@12 pecial aut+orities relied upon y Defendant relatin& to peculiar evidentiary or ot+er le&al ;uestions are as followsGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


28/47

27

@13 8f applicale= re;uests and e$ceptions to c+ar&e

All re;uests to c+ar&e s+all e numered consecutively on separate s+eets of paper andsumitted to t+e court in duplicate y counsel for all parties at t+e commencement of trial= unlessot+erwise provided y pre#trial order provided= +owever= t+at additional re;uests may e

sumitted to cover unanticipated points t+at arise t+ereafter.

@14 +e testimony of t+e followin& persons may e introduced y depositionsG

Any o,ection to t+e depositions or ;uestions or ar&uments in t+e depositions s+all ecalled to t+e attention of t+e court prior to trial.

@15 +e followin& are lists of witnesses t+e

a. Plaintiff will +ave present at trialG HHHHH

. Plaintiff may +ave present at trialG

c. Defendant will +ave present at trialG

d. Defendant may +ave present at trialG

-pposin& counsel may rely on representation y t+e desi&nated party t+at +e will +ave awitness present unless notice to t+e contrary is &iven in sufficient time prior to trial to allow t+eot+er party to supoena t+e witness or otain +is testimony y ot+er means.

@1* 8f applicale= t+e forms of all possile verdicts to e considered y t+e ,ury are asfollowsG

@17 a. +e possiilities of settlin& t+e case areG

. +e parties do)do not want t+e case reported. 8f t+ey do= HHHHHHHHHHHwill arran&e fort+e reporter.

c. +e cost of ta(e#down will e paid yGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

d. -t+er mattersG


29/47

28

umitted yG

8t is +erey ordered t+at t+e fore&oin&= includin& t+e attac+ments t+ereto= constitutes t+e

PR0#R8A9 -RD0R in t+e aove case and supersedes t+e pleadin&s w+ic+ may not e furt+er amended e$cept y order of t+e court to prevent manifest in,ustice.

+isHHHHHHHday ofHHHHHHH= 2HHH.

%ud&e= Proate 'ourt'ounty

Rule 8. Custo& of E!i&en#e ++ Ci!il Cases

8.1 Prior to an& &urin t2e trial or 2earin.

A cler( or court reporter in possession of documents= electronic documents= audio andvideo recordin&s of w+atever form= e$+iits= and ot+er material o,ects or any ot+er itemsadmitted as evidence in a civil case s+all= if suc+ items are separated from t+e ori&inal case file=maintain a lo& or inventory of all suc+ items wit+ t+e case numer= party names= descriptions of t+e items= t+e name and official position of t+e custodian= and t+e location of t+e stora&e of t+eitems. Dan&erous or contraand items s+all e placed in t+e custody of a cler( and e maintainedin t+e court+ouse or ot+er suc+ location as allowed y law and e availale durin& court proceedin&s and accessile to t+e court reporter. >nless retained in t+e ori&inal case file= all suc+

items admitted as evidence s+all e identified or ta&&ed y a cler( or court reporter wit+ t+e casenumer and t+e e$+iit numer and e recorded in t+e lo& or inventory. it+in t+irty @3 daysafter disposition of t+e case= t+e court reporter= if in possession of items admitted into evidence=s+all transfer suc+ items of evidence alon& wit+ t+e evidence lo& or inventory to a cler( of t+eori&inatin& court. A cler( s+all update t+e lo& or inventory to s+ow t+e current custodian and t+elocation of t+e evidence.

8.$ On#e t2e trial is #on#lu&e&.

0vidence in t+e possession of a cler( or court reporter s+all e maintained in accordancewit+ t+e law. +e desi&nated custodian s+all e responsile for t+e recordin& on t+e evidence lo&or inventory t+e name of t+e counsel or party= t+e date= and t+e purpose for t+e release of any suc+

items of evidence. use;uent to admission of any item into evidence y t+e court= nosustitution for t+e item admitted into evidence s+all e made e$cept y leave of t+e court. Anycounsel or party see(in& to ma(e a sustitution for admitted evidence after t+e close of evidences+all file a motion for an order aut+ori6in& suc+ sustitution. >pon &rantin& of an order for sustitution= t+e order s+all e entered into t+e lo& or inventory. Dan&erous or contraand itemss+all e transferred to t+e s+eriff or ot+er appropriate law enforcement a&ency alon& wit+ a copyof t+e lo& or inventory. +e s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency s+all ac(nowled&e t+e


30/47

29

transfer wit+ a si&ned receipt and t+e receipt s+all e retained wit+ t+e lo& or inventory createdand maintained y a cler(. A cler( and t+e s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency s+all eac+maintain a lo& or inventory of suc+ items of evidence. 8n all cases= t+e court reporter s+all e&ranted t+e ri&+t of access to suc+ items of evidence necessary to complete t+e transcript of t+ecase. 8n any case in w+ic+ no court reporter was retained= a cler( s+all (eep and store t+e evidence

or ensure t+at it is maintained in an appropriate location.+e lo& or inventory of any evidence separated from t+e ori&inal case file s+all emaintained in t+e ori&inal case file. >pon t+e e$piration of t+e time for t+e filin& of an appealdurin& w+ic+ no motion for new trial or appeal +as een filed y any party= a cler(= courtreporter= s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency may= and s+all upon written re;uest= returnany item of admitted evidence to t+e counsel or party w+o tendered t+e same provided=+owever= t+at no item w+ic+ is contraand or ille&al to possess in t+e state of pon t+ee$piration of t+e time for t+e filin& of an appeal durin& w+ic+ no motion for new trial or appeal

+as een filed y any party= a cler(= court reporter= s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&encymay notify in writin& t+e counsel or party w+o tendered any admitted evidence in t+e possession of suc+ cler(= court reporter= s+eriff or law enforcement a&ency= to retrieve suc+item@s wit+in t+irty @3 days of t+e written notice= and= upon t+e failure of t+e counsel or party to retrieve same wit+in suc+ t+irty @3 days= t+e cler(= court reporter= s+eriff or lawenforcement a&ency may dispose of t+e item@s.

u&&ested Minimum Re;uirements for an 0videnceMaintenance 9o&

0?. D0'R8P8-" R098"K>8?0D L DA0)8M0 -:RA":0R

R0'08C8"<A


31/47

30

@ Re;uest for accommodation.Any party or witness w+o needs special accommodation for a disaility= interpreter= or

ot+er assistance s+all inform t+e court of suc+ need not less t+an ten @1 days prior to t+esc+eduled +earin& or trial= or immediately upon learnin& of +is re;uired appearance at suc++earin& or trial if notice is received y t+e individual less t+an ten @1 days prior t+ereto. +e

attorney representin& t+e party or callin& t+e witness s+all ensure compliance wit+ t+is rule.

19.$ Lanuae Line Ser!i#e.

+e 9an&ua&e 9ine ervice is aut+ori6ed for use in t+e proate courts w+enever forei&nlan&ua&e interpretation is re;uired in preliminary or administrative matters= su,ect= +owever= tot+e upreme 'ourt Rule on t+e >se of 8nterpreters for "on#0n&lis+ pea(in& Persons.

19.' Cell "2ones.

'ell p+ones s+all not e audile in t+e courtroom= and t+eir use may e furt+er restricted y t+e ,ud&e.

19.) Court re"orters.>nless ot+erwise notified y t+e court= if any party desires t+at a +earin& or trial ereported y a court reporter= t+en it s+all e t+e duty of suc+ party to arran&e= at +is own e$pense=for a court reporter to e present at t+e +earin& or trial. uc+ party s+all immediately notify t+ecourt and opposin& counsel in writin& w+en suc+ arran&ements +ave een made. "o delay or continuance of any +earin& or trial s+all e &ranted in order to allow any party to ma(e suc+arran&ements= e$cept for &ood cause s+own. 8f t+e court will arran&e for a court reporter to e present at a particular +earin& or trial= t+en t+e court will so inform t+e parties in t+e notice of +earin&= pre#trial order= or ot+er appropriate notice.

19.* Settin #onteste& 2earins.

?earin&s on contested matters s+all e set y t+e court upon t+e re;uest of any interested party= at t+e ne$t availale +earin& date= and notice s+all e &iven y first class mail at least ten@1 days in advance to all interested parties. An interested party represented y an attorney s+all e notified y &ivin& notice to +is attorney.

19. Continuan#es.

Any re;uest for continuance s+all e made in conformance wit+ -'


32/47

31

@ 9en&t+. 8n all misdemeanor cases= closin& ar&ument s+all e limited to one#+alf +our per side wit+out otainin& special leave of t+e court efore t+e ar&ument is opened.

@' Participants. "ot more t+an two attorneys s+all e permitted to ar&ue any case for any party e$cept y leave of court in no event s+all more t+an one attorney for eac+ party e+eard in concludin& ar&ument.

19.8 (ismissal for failure to a""ear.

-n its own motion or upon motion of t+e opposite party= t+e court may dismiss wit+out pre,udice any action= or w+ere appropriate= any pleadin& filed on e+alf of any party upon t+efailure to properly respond to t+e call of t+e action for trial or ot+er proceedin&. +e court mayad,ud&e any attorney in contempt for failure to appear wit+out le&al e$cuse upon t+e call of any proceedin&.

19.19 Ele#troni# an& "2otora"2i# ne%s #o!erae of 5u&i#ial "ro#ee&ins.

>nless ot+erwise provided y rule of t+e upreme 'ourt or ot+erwise ordered y t+e ,ud&e after appropriate +earin& @conducted after notice to all parties and counsel of record and

findin&s= representatives of t+e print and electronic pulic media may e present at andunotrusively ma(e written notes and s(etc+es pertainin& to any ,udicial proceedin&s in t+ecourts. ?owever= due to t+e distractive nature of electronic or p+oto&rap+ic e;uipment=representatives of t+e pulic media utili6in& suc+ e;uipment are su,ect to t+e followin&restrictions and conditionsG

Persons desirin& to roadcast)record)p+oto&rap+ official court proceedin&s must file atimely written re;uest @form attac+ed as 0$+iit EAF wit+ t+e ,ud&e involved prior to t+e +earin&or trial= specifyin& t+e particular case or proceedin&s for w+ic+ suc+ covera&e is intended t+etype e;uipment to e used in t+e courtroom t+e trial= +earin& or proceedin& to e covered andt+e person responsile for installation and operation of suc+ e;uipment.

Approval of t+e ,ud&e to roadcast)record)p+oto&rap+ a proceedin&= if &ranted= s+all e&ranted wit+out partiality or preference to any person= news a&ency= or type of electronic or p+oto&rap+ic covera&e= w+o a&rees to aide y and conform to t+ese rules= up to t+e capacity of t+e space desi&nated t+erefor in t+e courtroom. Ciolation of t+ese rules will e &rounds for areporter)tec+nician to e removed or e$cluded from t+e courtroom and +eld in contempt.

+e ,ud&e= in +is discretion= may re;uire pooled covera&e w+ic+ would allow only onestill p+oto&rap+er= one television camera and attendant= and one radio or tape recorder outlet andattendant. P+oto&rap+ers= electronic reporters and tec+nicians s+all e e$pected to arran&e amon&t+emselves pooled covera&e if so directed y t+e ,ud&e and to present t+e ,ud&e wit+ a sc+eduleand description of t+e pooled covera&e. 8f t+e coverin& persons cannot a&ree on suc+ a sc+eduleor arran&ement= t+e ,ud&e may= in +is discretion= desi&nate t+e sc+edule and arran&ements for pooled covera&e.

+e positionin& and removal of cameras and electronic devices s+all e done ;uietly and=if possile= efore or after t+e court session or durin& recesses in no event s+all suc+ distur t+e proceedin&s of t+e court. 8n every suc+ case= e;uipment s+ould e in place and ready to operate efore t+e time court is sc+eduled to e called to order.

-ver+ead li&+ts in t+e courtroom s+all e switc+ed on and off only y court personnel. "o ot+er li&+ts= flas+uls= flas+es or sudden li&+t c+an&es may e used unless t+e ,ud&eapproves efore+and.


33/47

32

"o ad,ustment of central audio system s+all e made e$cept y persons aut+ori6ed yt+e ,ud&e. Audio recordin&s of t+e court proceedin&s will e from one source= normally yconnection to t+e court/s central audio system. >pon prior approval of t+e court= ot+er microp+ones may e added in an unotrusive manner to t+e court/s pulic address system.

All television cameras= still cameras and tape recorders s+all e assi&ned to a specific

portion of t+e pulic area of t+e courtroom or specially desi&ned access areas= and suc+ e;uipmentwill not e permitted to e removed or relocated durin& t+e court proceedin&s.till cameras= movie and television cameras and roadcastin& and recordin& devices must

operate ;uietly. 8f any e;uipment is determined y t+e ,ud&e to e of suc+ noise as to edistractive to t+e court proceedin&s= t+en suc+ e;uipment can e e$cluded from t+e courtroom yt+e ,ud&e.

P+oto&rap+s and televisin& of t+e pulic and t+e courtroom are allowed= if done wit+outdisruption to t+e court proceedin&s.

Reporters= p+oto&rap+ers= and tec+nicians must +ave and produce upon re;uest of courtofficials credentials identifyin& t+em and t+e media company for w+ic+ t+ey wor(.

'ourt proceedin&s s+all not e interrupted y a reporter or tec+nician wit+ a tec+nical or

an e;uipment prolem.Reporters= p+oto&rap+ers= and tec+nicians s+ould do everyt+in& possile to avoidattractin& attention to t+emselves. Reporters= p+oto&rap+ers= and tec+nicians will e accorded fullri&+t of access to court proceedin&s for otainin& pulic information wit+in t+e re;uirements of due process of law= so lon& as it is done wit+out detractin& from t+e di&nity and decorum of t+ecourt.

-t+er t+an as permitted y t+ese rules and &uidelines= t+ere will e no p+oto&rap+in& or radio or television roadcastin&= includin& video tapin& pertainin& to any ,udicial proceedin&son t+e court+ouse floor w+ere t+e trial= +earin& or proceedin& is ein& +eld or any ot+er court+ouse floor w+ereon is located a proate court courtroom= w+et+er or not t+e court isactually in session.

"o interviews pertainin& to a particular ,udicial proceedin& will e conducted in t+ecourtroom e$cept wit+ t+e permission of t+e ,ud&e.

All media plans +eretofore approved y t+e upreme 'ourt for proate courts are +ereyrepealed.

0?88 EAF

8" ?0 PR-A0 '->R -:HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH'->"L

A0 -: R>A" - R>90 A"D 8D098"0 :-R 090'R-"8' A"D P?--


34/47

33

Pursuant to Rule 1.1 of t+e >niform Proate 'ourt Rules= t+e undersi&ned +ereyre;uests permission to install e;uipment in courtroom in order to record= p+oto&rap+ or televiseall or portions of t+e proceedin&s in t+e aove#captioned case.

'onsistent wit+ t+e provisions of t+e rules and &uidelines= t+e undersi&ned desires to

install t+e followin& descried e;uipmentG HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH in t+e followin& locationsG HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. +e proceedin&s t+at t+e undersi&ned desires to record= p+oto&rap+ or televisecommence on HHH@DA0HHH. u,ect to direction from t+e court re&ardin& possile pooledcovera&e= t+e undersi&ned wis+es to install t+is e;uipment in t+e courtroom on HHH@DA0HHH.+e personnel w+o will e responsile for t+e installation and operation of t+is e;uipment durin&its use areG HHH@8D0"8:L APPR-PR8A0 P0R-""09HHH.

+e undersi&ned +erey certifies t+at t+e e;uipment to e installed and t+e locations andoperation of suc+ e;uipment will e in conformity wit+ t+e rules and &uidelines issued y t+ecourt.

+isHHHHHHHHHHHHday ofHHHHHHHHHHH= 2HH.

@8ndividual i&nature

@Representin&):irm

@Position

@Address

@elep+one "umer

APPR-C0DG

%ud&e= Proate 'ourt'ounty

19.11 -ur trials @Arti#le Probate Courts.

@A Demand and procedure

Ri&+t to %ury rial. +e ri&+t to a ,ury trial must e asserted y a written demand wit+int+irty @3 days after t+e filin& of t+e first pleadin& of t+e party or wit+in fifteen @15 days after t+efilin& of t+e first pleadin& of an opposin& party= w+ic+ever is later= e$cept t+at wit+ respect to a

petition pursuant to -'


35/47

34

All laws wit+ reference to t+e numer= composition= ;ualifications= impanelin&=c+allen&in&= and compensation of ,urors in superior courts s+all apply to= and e oserved y=t+e Article * Proate 'ourts in civil cases.

@ Coir dire.

+e court may propound= or cause to e propounded y counsel= suc+ ;uestions of t+e

,urors as provided in -'


36/47

3536

11.$ i&eo+#onferen#in.

@A Matters w+ic+ may e conducted y video#conferenceG1. Determination of indi&ence and appointment of counsel2. ?earin&s on appearance and appeal onds3. 8nitial appearance +earin&s

4. Proale cause +earin&s5. Applications for arrest warrants*. Applications for searc+ warrants7. Arrai&nment or waiver of arrai&nment!. Pre#trial diversion and post#sentencin& compliance +earin&s. 0ntry of pleas in criminal cases1. 8mpositions of sentences upon pleas of &uilty or nolo contendere11. Proation revocation +earin&s12. Post#sentencin& proceedin&s in criminal cases13. Acceptance of special pleas of insanity @incompetency to stand trial14. ituations involvin& inmates wit+ +i&+ly sensitive medical prolems or w+o pose a

+i&+ security ris(15. estimony of yout+ful witnesses1*. Appearances of interpreters and17. All mental +ealt+= alco+ol and dru& +earin&s +eld y t+e proate court pursuant to

-'


37/47

Any video#conferencin& system utili6ed under t+is rule must conform to t+e followin&minimum re;uirementsG

1. All participants must e ale to see= +ear= and communicate wit+ eac+ ot+er simultaneously

2. All participants must e ale to see= +ear= and ot+erwise oserve any p+ysical evidence

or e$+iits presented durin& t+e proceedin&= eit+er y video= facsimile= or ot+er met+od3. Cideo ;uality must e ade;uate to allow participants to oserve eac+ ot+er/s demeanor and nonveral communications and

4. +e location from w+ic+ t+e trial ,ud&e is presidin& s+all e accessile to t+e pulic tot+e same e$tent as suc+ proceedin& would if not conducted y video#conference. +e court s+allaccommodate any re;uest y interested parties to oserve t+e entire proceedin&.

Rule 1$. A""eals

1$.1 A""eals ++ "re"aration of re#or&.

@A "on#Article * Proate 'ourts+e record w+ic+ is transmitted to t+e superior court in connection wit+ any de novo

appeal from t+e proate court s+all include certified copies of all documents w+ic+ will erecorded in t+e official record oo(s of t+e proate court. 8n addition= a certified copy of anyalle&ed will w+ic+ is denied proate will e transmitted even t+ou&+ it will not e recorded ont+e proate court records. "o e$+iits= transcripts of +earin&s= depositions= interro&atories=notices to produce documents= or any ot+er materials w+ic+ reflect t+e evidence presented in t+e proate court s+all e transmitted to t+e superior court in connection wit+ a de novo appeal.8nstead= any suc+ materials in t+e possession of t+e court @ot+er t+an documents re;uired y lawto e (ept on file wit+ t+e proate court s+all e returned to t+e attorney w+o presented t+em= if t+e proate court is re;uested to do so or does so on its own motion= and t+e attorney may t+en

present t+em at t+e superior court +earin& if +e desires.@ Article * Proate 'ourts+e record w+ic+ is transmitted to t+e appropriate appellate court on appeal s+all e

prepared in t+e same manner as appeals from t+e superior court are prepared= as nearly as practicale.

@' :ees for Article * Proate 'ourts+e ,ud&e s+all e entitled to t+e same fee as t+e cler( of t+e superior court as provided

y law for services rendered in ,ury trials and in appeals to t+e upreme 'ourt or 'ourt of Appeals if said fee is not prescried y -'


38/47

37

8t s+all e t+e purpose of +e 'ouncil of Proate 'ourt %ud&es of


39/47


40/47

39

alt+ou&+ t+e local &overnin& ody s+all determine w+at sureties are acceptale w+en a surety ond is permitted.

@' Amendment of ail.+e proate court +as t+e aut+ority to amend any ail previously aut+ori6ed y t+e

proate court under t+e provisions of -'nless retained in t+e ori&inal case file= all suc+ items admitted as

evidence s+all e identified or ta&&ed y a cler( or court reporter wit+ t+e case numer and t+ee$+iit numer and e recorded in t+e lo& or inventory. it+in t+irty @3 days after dispositionof t+e case= t+e court reporter= if in possession of items admitted into evidence= s+all transfer suc+ items of evidence alon& wit+ t+e evidence lo& or inventory to a cler( of t+e ori&inatin&court. A cler( s+all update t+e lo& or inventory to s+ow t+e current custodian and t+e locationof t+e evidence. Dan&erous or contraand items s+all e transferred to t+e s+eriff or ot+er appropriate law enforcement a&ency alon& wit+ a copy of t+e lo& or inventory. +e s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency s+all ac(nowled&e t+e transfer wit+ a si&ned receipt and t+ereceipt s+all e retained wit+ t+e lo& or inventory created and maintained y a cler(. A cler( and t+e s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency s+all eac+ maintain a lo& or inventory of suc+items of evidence. 8n all cases= t+e court reporter s+all e &ranted t+e ri&+t of access to suc+

items of evidence necessary to complete t+e transcript of t+e case. 8n any case in w+ic+ nocourt reporter was retained= a cler( s+all (eep and store t+e evidence or ensure t+at it ismaintained in an appropriate location.

0vidence in t+e possession of a cler( or court reporter= durin& court proceedin&= s+all emaintained in accordance wit+ t+e provisions of -'pon &rantin& of an order for sustitution= t+e order s+all eentered into t+e lo& or inventory.

+e lo& or inventory of any evidence separated from t+e ori&inal case file s+all emaintained in t+e ori&inal case file. >pon t+e e$piration of t+e time for t+e filin& of an appealdurin& w+ic+ no motion for new trial or appeal +as een filed y any party= a cler(= court reporter=s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency may= and s+all upon written re;uest= return any item of admitted evidence to t+e counsel or party w+o tendered t+e same provided= +owever= t+at no itemw+ic+ is contraand or ille&al to possess in t+e state of


41/47

40

any counsel or party= and all suc+ items s+all= upon t+e e$piration of t+e time for t+e filin& of anappeal durin& w+ic+ no motion for new trial or appeal +as een filed y any party= e deliveredover to t+e s+eriff of t+e county for appropriate disposition. >pon t+e e$piration of t+e time for t+efilin& of an appeal durin& w+ic+ no motion for new trial or appeal +as een filed y any party= acler(= court reporter= s+eriff or ot+er law enforcement a&ency may notify in writin& t+e counsel or

party w+o tendered any admitted evidence in t+e possession of suc+ cler(= court reporter= s+eriff or law enforcement a&ency= to retrieve suc+ item@s wit+in t+irty @3 days of t+e written notice= and=upon t+e failure of t+e counsel or party to retrieve same wit+in suc+ t+irty @3 days= a cler(= courtreporter= s+eriff or law enforcement a&ency may dispose of t+e item@s.

1*.' Arrainment.

@A 'alendar.+e ,ud&e or t+e ,ud&e/s desi&nee s+all set t+e time of arrai&nment unless arrai&nment is

waived eit+er y t+e defendant or y operation of law. "otice of t+e date= time and place of arrai&nment s+all e delivered to t+e cler( and sent to attorneys of record= defendants and ondsmen.

@ 'all for arrai&nment.efore arrai&nment= t+e court s+all in;uire w+et+er t+e accused is represented y anattorney and= if not= advise t+e accused of t+e ri&+t to indi&ent defense counsel and t+e procedures y w+ic+ an attorney/s assistance may e otained.

>pon t+e call of t+e case for arrai&nment= t+e accused= or t+e attorney for t+e accused=s+all answer w+et+er t+e accused pleads &uilty or not &uilty or desires to enter a plea of nolocontendere to t+e offense or offenses c+ar&ed a plea of not &uilty s+all constitute a ,oinin& of t+eissue.

1*.) Motions> &emurrers> s"e#ial "leas> et#.@A ime for filin&.All motions= demurrers= and special pleas s+all e made and filed at or efore t+e time set

y law= unless time t+erefor is e$tended y t+e ,ud&e in writin& prior to trial. "otices of t+e state/sintention to present evidence of similar transactions or occurrences and notices of t+e intention of t+e defense to raise t+e issue of insanity or mental illness s+all e &iven and filed at least ten @1days efore trial unless t+e time is s+ortened or len&t+ened y t+e ,ud&e.

@ ime for +earin&.All suc+ motions= demurrers= special pleas and notices s+all e +eard and considered at

suc+ time= date= and place as set y t+e ,ud&e.


42/47

41

re;uest. +e urden of provin& t+at t+e evidence of similar transactions or occurrences s+ould eadmitted s+all e upon t+e prosecution. +e state may present durin& t+e trial evidence of onlyt+ose similar transactions or occurrences specifically approved y t+e ,ud&e.

3. 0vidence of similar transactions or occurrences not approved s+all e inadmissile. 8nevery case= t+e prosecutin& attorney and defense attorney s+all instruct t+eir witnesses not to refer

to similar crimes= transactions or occurrences= or ot+erwise place t+e defendant/s c+aracter inissue= unless specifically aut+ori6ed y t+e ,ud&e.4. 8f upon t+e trial of t+e case t+e defense places t+e defendant/s c+aracter in issue=

evidence of similar transactions or occurrences= as s+all e admissile accordin& to t+e rules of evidence= s+all e admissile= t+e aove provisions notwit+standin&.

5. "ot+in& in t+is rule is intended to pro+iit t+e state from introducin& evidence of similar transactions or occurrences w+ic+ are lesser included alle&ed offenses of t+e c+ar&e ein&tried= or are immediately related in time and place to t+e c+ar&e ein& tried= as part of a sin&le=continuous transaction. "ot+in& in t+is rule is intended to alter t+e rules of evidence relatin& toimpeac+ment of witnesses.

*. +is rule s+all not apply to sentencin& +earin&s.

@D "otice of intention of defense to raise issue of insanity= mental illness or mentalcompetency.>niform uperior 'ourt Rules 31.3= 31.4 and 31.5= as amended from time to time= and as

applicale to proate courts= are +erey adopted veratim.

1*.* Criminal trial #alen&ar.

@A 'alendar preparation.All cases s+all e set for trial wit+in a reasonale time after arrai&nment. +e ,ud&e or

t+e ,ud&e/s desi&nee s+all prepare a trial calendar= s+all deliver a copy t+ereof to t+e cler(= ands+all &ive notice in person or y mail to eac+ counsel of record= t+e ondsman @if any and t+edefendant at t+e last address indicated in court records= not less t+an seven @7 days efore t+e

trial date. +e calendar s+all list t+e dates t+at cases are set for trial= t+e cases to e tried at t+atsession of court= t+e case numers= t+e names of t+e defendants and t+e names of t+e defensecounsel.

@ Removal from calendar. "o case s+all e postponed or removed from t+e calendar e$cept y t+e ,ud&e.

1*. Pleas.

1*..1 Alternati!es.

@A A defendant may plead &uilty= not &uilty= or in t+e discretion of t+e ,ud&e= nolocontendere.

A plea of &uilty or nolo contendere s+ould e received only from t+e defendant personally in open court= e$cept w+en t+e defendant is a corporation= in w+ic+ case t+e plea may e entered y counsel or a corporate officer. 8n misdemeanor cases= upon t+e re;uest of adefendant w+o +as made= in writin&= a (nowin&= intelli&ent and voluntary waiver of +is ri&+t to e present= t+e court may accept a plea of &uilty in asentia.

@ A defendant may plead nolo contendere only wit+ t+e consent of t+e ,ud&e. uc+ a plea s+ould e accepted y t+e ,ud&e only after due consideration of t+e views of t+e parties and


43/47

42

t+e interest of t+e pulic in t+e effective administration of ,ustice. Procedurally= a plea of nolocontendere s+ould e +andled under t+ese rules in a manner similar to a plea of &uilty.

1*..$ Ai& of #ounsel ++ time for &eliberation.

@A A defendant s+all not e called upon to plead efore +avin& an opportunity to retain

counsel= or if defendant is eli&ile for appointment of counsel= until counsel +as een appointedor ri&+t to counsel waived. A defendant wit+ counsel s+all not e re;uired to enter a plea if counsel ma(es a reasonale re;uest for additional time to represent t+e defendant/s interest= or if t+e defendant +as not +ad a reasonale time to consult wit+ counsel.

@ A defendant wit+out counsel s+ould not e called upon to plead to any offensewit+out +avin& +ad a reasonale time to consider t+is decision. +en a defendant wit+outcounsel tenders a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere to an offense= t+e court s+ould not accept t+e plea unless it is reaffirmed y t+e defendant after a reasonale time for delieration= followin& t+eadvice from t+e court re;uired in Rule 15.*.!.

1*..' Pro"riet of "lea &is#ussions an& "lea areements.

@A 8n cases in w+ic+ it appears t+at t+e interests of t+e pulic in t+e effectiveadministration of criminal ,ustice @as stated in Rule 15.*.* would t+erey e served= t+e prosecutin& attorney may en&a&e in plea discussions for t+e purpose of reac+in& a pleaa&reement. +e prosecutin& attorney s+ould en&a&e in plea discussions or reac+ a plea a&reementwit+ t+e defendant only t+rou&+ defense counsel= e$cept w+en t+e defendant is not eli&ile for or does not desire appointment of counsel and +as not retained counsel.

@ +e prosecutin& attorney= in reac+in& a plea a&reement= may a&ree to one or more of t+e followin&= as dictated y t+e circumstances of t+e individual caseG

1. o ma(e or not to oppose favorale recommendations as to t+e sentence w+ic+ s+ould e imposed if t+e defendant enters a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere

2. o see( or not to oppose dismissal of t+e offense c+ar&ed if t+e defendant enters a

plea of &uilty or nolo contendere to anot+er offense reasonaly related to defendant/s conduct or 3. o see( or not to oppose dismissal of ot+er c+ar&es or potential c+ar&es a&ainst t+edefendant if t+e defendant enters a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere.

1*..) Attorne+#lient relations2i".

@A Defense counsel s+ould conclude a plea a&reement only wit+ t+e consent of t+edefendant= and s+ould ensure t+at t+e decision to enter or not enter a plea of &uilty or nolocontendere is ultimately made y t+e defendant.

@ o aid t+e defendant in reac+in& a decision= defense counsel= after appropriateinvesti&ation= s+ould advise t+e defendant of t+e alternatives availale and of considerationsdeemed important y +im in reac+in& a decision.

1*..* Res"onsibilities of t2e trial 5u&e.

@A +e trial ,ud&e s+ould not participate in plea discussions.@ 8f a tentative plea a&reement +as een reac+ed= upon re;uest of t+e parties= t+e trial

,ud&e may permit t+e parties to disclose t+e tentative a&reement and t+e reasons t+erefor inadvance of t+e time for t+e tenderin& of t+e plea. +e ,ud&e may t+en indicate to t+e prosecutin&attorney and defense counsel w+et+er t+e ,ud&e will li(ely concur in t+e proposed disposition if


44/47

43

t+e information developed in t+e plea +earin& or presented in t+e pre#sentence report is consistentwit+ t+e representations made y t+e parties. 8f t+e trial ,ud&e concurs ut t+e final dispositiondiffers from t+at contemplated y t+e plea a&reement= t+en t+e ,ud&e s+all state for t+e recordw+at information in t+e pre#sentence report or +earin& contriuted to t+e decision not to sentencein accordance wit+ t+e plea a&reement.

@' +en a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere is tendered or received as a result of a pleaa&reement= t+e trial ,ud&e s+ould &ive t+e a&reement due consideration= ut notwit+standin& itse$istence= must reac+ an independent decision on w+et+er to &rant c+ar&e or sentence leniencyunder t+e principles set fort+ in Rule 15.*.*.

1*.. Consi&eration of "lea in final &is"osition.

@A 8t is proper for t+e ,ud&e to &rant c+ar&e or sentence leniency to defendants w+oenter pleas of &uilty or nolo contendere w+en t+e interests of t+e pulic in t+e effectiveadministration of criminal ,ustice are t+erey served. Amon& t+e considerations w+ic+ areappropriate in determinin& t+is ;uestion areG

1. +at t+e defendant y enterin& a plea +as aided in ensurin& t+e prompt and certain

application of correctional measures2. +at t+e defendant +as ac(nowled&ed &uilt and s+own a willin&ness to assumeresponsiility for conduct

3. +at t+e leniency will ma(e possile alternative correctional measures w+ic+ are etter adapted to ac+ievin& re+ailitative= protective= deterrent or ot+er purposes of correctionaltreatment= or will prevent undue +arm to t+e defendant from t+e form of conviction

4. +at t+e defendant +as made pulic trial unnecessary w+en t+ere are &ood reasons for not +avin& t+e case dealt wit+ in a pulic trial

5. +at t+e defendant +as &iven or offered cooperation w+en suc+ cooperation +asresulted or may result in t+e successful prosecution of ot+er offenders en&a&ed in e;ually seriousor more serious criminal conduct

*. +at t+e defendant y enterin& a plea +as aided in avoidin& delay @includin& delaydue to crowded doc(ets in t+e disposition of ot+er cases and t+erey +as increased t+e proaility of prompt and certain application of correctional measures to ot+er offenders.

@ +e ,ud&e s+ould not impose upon a defendant any sentence in e$cess of t+at w+ic+would e ,ustified y any of t+e re+ailitative= protective= deterrent or ot+er purposes of t+ecriminal law merely ecause t+e defendant +as c+osen to re;uire t+e prosecution to prove t+edefendant/s &uilt at trial rat+er t+an to enter a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere.

1*..3 (eterminin !oluntariness of "lea.

+e ,ud&e s+all not accept a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere wit+out first determinin&=on t+e record= t+at t+e plea is voluntary. y in;uiry of t+e prosecutin& attorney and defensecounsel= t+e ,ud&e s+ould determine w+et+er t+e tendered plea is t+e result of prior pleadiscussions and a plea a&reement= and= if it is= w+at a&reement +as een reac+ed. 8f t+e prosecutin& attorney +as a&reed to see( c+ar&e or sentence leniency w+ic+ must e approved yt+e ,ud&e= t+e ,ud&e must advise t+e defendant personally t+at t+e recommendations of t+e prosecutin& attorney are not indin& on t+e ,ud&e. +e ,ud&e s+ould t+en address t+e defendant personally and determine w+et+er any ot+er promises or any force or t+reats were used to otaint+e plea.


45/47

44

1*..4 (efen&ant to be informe&.

+e ,ud&e s+ould not accept a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere from a defendant wit+outfirstG

@A Determinin& on t+e record t+at t+e defendant understands t+e nature of t+e c+ar&e@s

@ 8nformin& t+e defendant on t+e record t+at y enterin& a plea of &uilty or nolocontendere one waivesG1. +e ri&+t to trial y ,ury2. +e presumption of innocence3. +e ri&+t to confront witnesses a&ainst oneself4. +e ri&+t to supoena witnesses5. +e ri&+t to testify and to offer ot+er evidence*. +e ri&+t to assistance of counsel durin& trial7. +e ri&+t not to incriminate oneself and t+at y pleadin& not &uilty or remainin&

silent and not enterin& a plea= one otains a ,ury trial and@' 8nformin& t+e defendant on t+e recordG

1. -f t+e terms of any ne&otiated plea2. +at a plea of &uilty may +ave an impact on +is immi&ration status if t+e defendant isnot a citi6en of t+e >nited tates

3. -f t+e ma$imum possile sentence on t+e c+ar&e= includin& t+at possile fromconsecutive sentences and en+anced sentences w+ere provided y law and)or

4. -f t+e mandatory minimum sentence= if any= on t+e c+ar&e. +is information may edeveloped y ;uestions from t+e ,ud&e= t+e district attorney or t+e defense attorney= or acomination of any of t+ese.

1*..8 (eterminin a##ura# of "lea.

"otwit+standin& t+e acceptance of a plea of &uilty= ,ud&ment s+ould not e entered upon

suc+ plea wit+out suc+ in;uiry on t+e record as may satisfy t+e ,ud&e t+at t+ere is a factual asisfor t+e plea.

1*..19 Statin intention to re5e#t t2e "lea areement.

8f t+e trial court intends to re,ect t+e plea a&reement= t+e trial court s+all= on t+e record=inform t+e defendant personally t+at @1 t+e trial court is not ound y any plea a&reement @2t+e trial court intends to re,ect t+e plea a&reement presently efore it @3 t+e disposition of t+e present case may e less favorale to t+e defendant t+an t+at contemplated y t+e pleaa&reement and @4 t+at t+e defendant may t+en wit+draw +is &uilty plea as a matter of ri&+t. 8f t+e plea is not t+en wit+drawn= sentence may e pronounced.

1*..11 Re#or& of "ro#ee&ins.

A veratim record= consistin& of a mec+anical recordin&= contemporaneous paper record=or ot+= of t+e proceedin&s at w+ic+ a defendant enters a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere s+all emade and preserved for a minimum of two @2 years. +e record s+ould includeG

@1t+e in;uiry into t+e voluntariness of t+e plea @as re;uired in Rule 15.*.7@2t+e advice to t+e defendant @as re;uired in Rule 15.*.!@3t+e in;uiry into t+e accuracy of t+e plea @as re;uired in Rule 15.*. and


46/47

45

@4 t+e notice to t+e defendant t+at t+e trial court intends to re,ect t+e plea a&reement andt+e defendant/s ri&+t to wit+draw t+e &uilty plea efore sentence is pronounced.

1*..1$ Plea %it2&ra%al.

@A After sentence is pronounced= t+e ,ud&e s+ould allow t+e defendant to wit+draw +is

plea of &uilty or nolo contendere w+enever t+e defendant= upon a timely motion for wit+drawal= proves t+at wit+drawal is necessary to correct a manifest in,ustice.@ 8n t+e asence of a s+owin& t+at wit+drawal is necessary to correct a manifest

in,ustice= a defendant may not wit+draw a plea of &uilty or nolo contendere as a matter of ri&+tonce sentence +as een pronounced y t+e ,ud&e.

1*.3 (o#/ets.

@A Doc(et cate&ories. 0ac+ proate court s+all (eep a doc(et for criminal cases andarrests= and a separate doc(et for all ot+er actions.

@ ime of doc(etin&.Actions s+all e entered y t+e cler(= deputy cler(= or ,ud&e in t+e proper doc(et

immediately or wit+in a reasonale period after ein& received in t+e cler(/s office.

1*.4 Initial a""earan#e0#ommitment 2earins.@A 8nitial appearance +earin&.

As soon as is reasonaly practicale followin& any arrest ut not later t+an forty#ei&+t@4! +ours if t+e arrest was wit+out a warrant= or seventy#two @72 +ours followin& an arrest wit+a warrant= unless t+e accused +as made ond in t+e meantime= t+e arrestin& officer or ot+er lawenforcement officer +avin& custody of t+e accused s+all present t+e accused in person efore a ,ud&e or ot+er ,udicial officer for first appearance.

At t+e first appearance= t+e ,ud&e or ,udicial officer s+allG1. 8nform t+e accused of t+e c+ar&es

2. 8nform t+e accused t+at +e +as a ri&+t to remain silent= t+at any statement made may eused a&ainst +im= and t+at +e +as t+e ri&+t to t+e presence and advice of an attorney= eit+er retained or appointed

3. Determine w+et+er or not t+e accused desires and is in need of an appointed attorneyand= if appropriate= advise t+e accused of t+e necessity for filin& a written application

4. 8nform t+e accused of +is ri&+t to a commitment +earin&= unless t+e first appearancecovers t+e commitment +earin& issues= and inform t+e accused t+at &ivin& a ond s+all e awaiver of t+e ri&+t to a commitment +earin&

5. 8n t+e case of a warrantless arrest= ma(e a fair and reliale determination of t+e proale cause for t+e arrest unless a warrant +as een issued efore t+e first appearance

*. 8nform t+e accused of t+e ri&+t to a trial y ,ury7. 8nform t+e accused t+at if +e desires to waive t+ese ri&+ts and plead &uilty= t+en t+e

accused s+all so notify t+e ,ud&e or t+e law officer +avin& custody= w+o s+all in turn notify t+e ,ud&e

!. et t+e amount of ail.@ 'ommitment +earin&.1. A ,ud&e= in +is or +er discretion= may +old a commitment +earin& even t+ou&+ t+e

defendant +as posted a ail ond.


47/47

2. At t+e commitment +earin& y t+e court of in;uiry= t+e ,ud&e or ,udicial officer s+all perform t+e followin& dutiesG

@a 0$plain t+e proale cause purpose of t+e +earin&@ Repeat to t+e accused t+e ri&+ts e$plained at t+e first appearance as listed in Rule

15.! @A aove

@c Determine w+et+er t+e accused intends to plead &uilty= nolo contendere= or not &uilty=or waives t+e commitment +earin&@d 8f t+e accused intends to plead &uilty or waives t+e +earin&= if applicale= t+e court

s+all immediately ind t+e entire case over to t+e court +avin& ,urisdiction of t+e most seriousoffense c+ar&ed

@e 8f t+e accused pleads Enot &uilty=F t+e court s+all immediately proceed to conduct t+ecommitment evidentiary +earin& unless= for &ood cause= t+e +earin& is continued to a later sc+eduled date

@f 'ause an accurate record to e made of t+e testimony and proceedin& y a relialemet+od

@& +e ,udicial officer= if applicale= s+all ind t+e entire case over to t+e court +avin&

,urisdiction of t+e most serious offense for w+ic+ proale cause +as een s+own y sufficientevidence and dismiss any c+ar&e for w+ic+ proale cause +as not een s+own@+ -n eac+ case w+ic+ is ound over= a memorandum of t+e commitment s+all e

entered on t+e warrant or accusation y t+e ,udicial officer. +e warrant= accusation= ail ond=and all ot+er papers pertainin& to t+e case s+all e forwarded to t+e cler( of t+e appropriate court+avin& ,urisdiction over t+e offense. 0ac+ ail ond s+all contain t+e full name= telep+onenumer= residence= usiness and mailin& address@es of t+e accused and any surety

@i A copy of t+e record of any testimony and t+e proceedin&s of t+e first appearance andt+e commitment +earin& s+all e provided to t+e proper prosecutin& officer and to t+e accusedupon payment of t+e reasonale cost for preparation of t+e record

@, A ,udicial officer= conductin& a commitment +earin&

Georgia Uniform Probate Court Rules - 07-01-12 Word

Documents

Transcript of Georgia Uniform Probate Court Rules - 07-01-12 Word