What is a pre-trial conference?

A pre-trial conference is a meeting between a defendant, the prosecutors, and the presiding judge in a Massachusetts court. The purpose of this meeting is for the prosecutors and the defendant to discuss the case, and potentially negotiate a plea agreement. This conference happens before the actual trial and is meant to give the defendant an opportunity to enter a plea and potentially resolve the case without going to trial. During the pre-trial conference, the judge and the attorneys involved in the case will meet and discuss the facts of the case. The defendant will usually have the chance to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutors, or the judge may suggest a settlement. If the defendant decides to plea to the charges, the pre-trial conference will end and the defendant will be sentenced. However, if the plea is not accepted, the case will move forward to a trial. At a pre-trial conference, the judge will also review the case to make sure that all parties have had enough time to properly prepare and that the evidence is sufficient. If the judge believes that the case is not ready for trial, he or she may decide to postpone the trial until further evidence can be gathered or arguments more fully developed. In summary, a pre-trial conference is a meeting between a defendant, prosecutors, and the judge in a Massachusetts court that allows the defendant to enter a plea and potentially resolve the case without having to go to trial. During the conference, the judge will review the evidence, assess the case’s readiness to go to trial, and potentially suggest a settlement or plea agreement.

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What is a pre-trial conference?

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