Depending on the alleged offense, the defendant will be entitled to a jury trial or non-jury trial. In accordance with Superior Court Rule 133, all trials in criminal cases shall be in open court, except in matters involving domestic relations, paternity, school truancy and parental neglect.
Upon entering the plea of not guilty, the judge in his discretion may schedule a Pretrial Conference. During a Pretrial Conference, both sides will have an opportunity to advise the Court as to their readiness to proceed to trial. Witnesses do not attend the Pretrial Conferences and no testimony is taken.