Rule 58 - Appearance by Telephone or Videoconferencing(a)Pretrial and status conferences. Unless otherwise provided by rules of court, the court shall, absent good reason, as determined in the court's discretion, allow the parties to appear by telephone or videoconferencing at any pretrial or status conference.(b)All other proceedings where defendant's appearance is not required. In all other proceedings where the defendant's presence is not required by Rule 43 of these rules, the court, in its discretion, may allow counsel to appear by telephone or videoconferencing.(c)Court may require personal appearance. If, at any time during a conference, hearing or proceeding conducted by telephone or videoconferencing, the court determines personal appearance is necessary, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance.(d) Arranging Telephone Conference Call. Unless otherwise directed by the court, a party who requests an appearance by telephone is responsible for notifying all parties prior to said call, arranging the telephone conference call with all parties, and ensuring the call is ready for court participation at the time appointed.Added July 29, 2013, effective 1/1/2014; adopted and amended November 20, 2014, effective 1/1/2015; amended April 22, 2022, effective 7/1/2022.COMMENTARY:
The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures for appearance of the parties by telephone or videoconferencing for criminal matters in the courts of the State. To provide access to justice, promote judicial efficiency and to reduce litigation costs, the courts of the State should permit counsel, to the extent feasible, to appear by telephone or videoconferencing as provided by this rule.