What happens at the pretrial conference and trial?
The pretrial conference is usually a scheduling conference with the judge and the prosecutor. The court will usually ask your lawyer and the prosecutor how the case is progressing and whether your case will be a trial or a plea. This conference also allows your attorney to point out weaknesses or deficiencies in the prosecutor’s case and for negotiation on an outcome of your case. If your attorney cannot work out a negotiated plea that is acceptable to the client, the case will be scheduled for trial.
