Utah Code Jud. Admin. 4-610

As amended through October 28, 2024

Rule 4-610 - Appointment of justice court judges to preside at first appearances, preliminary hearings and arraignments

Intent:

To establish the criteria for the appointment of justice court judges to preside at first appearances, preliminary hearings and arraignments.

Applicability:

This rule shall apply to the district and the justice courts.

Statement of the Rule:

(1) The presiding district court judge may appoint a justice court judge to preside at a first appearance, preliminary hearing or arraignment if:

(A) the justice court judge consents to the appointment; and

(B) the justice court judge has either completed a course in the conducting of first appearances, preliminary hearings and arraignments, or has presided over at least five first appearances, preliminary hearings and arraignments prior to the effective date of this rule.

(2) A justice court judge may only accept a plea of not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity.

(3) The Justice Court Administrator shall maintain a list of those justice court judges who meet the qualifications set forth in paragraph (1)(B) above.

(4) The administrative office shall offer courses in the conducting of first appearances, preliminary hearings and arraignments, and shall pay the expenses of justice court judges attending such courses not offered in conjunction with the annual justice court judges conference.

(5) Hearings conducted pursuant to this rule shall be conducted on the record.

Utah Code Jud. Admin. 4-610

Added effective 11/1/2013.