Judge Andrea C. Peeples

General

Considering the number of cases that come through the courtroom on a daily basis, it is important that the parties, attorneys, and other persons involved with the case are willing to discuss matters with a goal of efficient resolution or termination of the case.

Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. The courtroom is a place in which everyone will be treated in a respectful and courteous manner as to provide an environment where all parties feel justice is being served. Litigants, counsel for the parties and witnesses must be respectful to one another and to all parties in the courtroom.

Cell phones and wireless devices must remain off while in the courtroom, unless necessary for court proceedings.

Continuances

Continuances will be granted if reasonably possible with the understanding that all cases should be resolved within the time frames and guidelines of the Rules of Superintendence. Requests must be presented to the Court at least five (5) business days prior to the court date.

Opposing parties must be contacted regarding requests prior to approaching the Court.

Motions & Briefs

Motions must be submitted timely, in writing and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without oral hearing. Parties should request a hearing when necessary. Hearing dates for motions will not be scheduled until a motion is filed.

If cases are set for trial, any motions must be submitted to the Court at least five (5) business days before the trial date. Courtesy copies should be emailed to the Judge's Bailiff.

General

In most cases, the Court will refer the case for mediation once it is assigned. If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will be set for pretrial by the Assignment Office. Any additional pretrial hearings will be scheduled by the Court.

If a resolution has been reached by the parties, prior to the court date, Plaintiff's counsel is to notify the bailiff by email/fax of the resolution prior to the court date.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Pretrial conferences are scheduled in all civil cases for discussion of the case, discovery, and complex issues. Counsel for the parties should have authority to act on behalf of their clients. Parties or Counsel for the parties are required to confer before the hearing pursuant to Local Court Rule 6.01 and to make a sincere effort to settle the case and to agree on evidentiary matters about which there is no genuine dispute.

It is not necessary that the actual litigants be present at the pretrial hearing but should be available by telephone for consultations. Parties are required to appear in court for a motion hearing or trial.

Pretrial statements must be provided according to Local Court Rule 6.01 at all second pretrial hearings. Trial notebooks must be exchanged in accordance with pretrial memorandum for civil cases and should be submitted to the Court ten (10) days before the trial date.

Status Conferences are held only on request or if the Court feels it is needed. Parties should be prepared to discuss preliminary matters including but not limited to discovery issues, preliminary motions, etc.

General

The Judge will consider all recommendations concerning plea arrangements that involve sentencing.

Nolo Contendere pleas (defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest criminal charges) or Alford pleas (defendant enters a plea of guilty but maintains innocence) are allowed.

Counsel is strongly discouraged from interrupting court with off docket matters during regular court hours. Alternatively, counsel may contact the Court and all involved parties in writing without pulling the physical file. Opposing parties must be contacted prior to approaching the Court.

The Court will only entertain motions for bond modification in writing with notice to the opposing party or on the record, in open court with notice to the opposing party.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Counsel should be prepared to discuss their case with the prosecutor and attempt to terminate the matter at the pretrial conference if at all possible.

Personal appearance of a Defendant may be waived if arrangements are made in advance. The Court must be notified prior to the hearing.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to the pretrial date. Contact the assigned prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery. Prosecutors' Courtroom Assignments.

General

Trials commence on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Pretrial conferences are held the Friday before trial and all parties MUST be present.

Pretrial Statements should be submitted to the Court at least five (5) business days prior to trial. A courtesy copy should be emailed to the Judge's Bailiff.

The preliminary instructions will be presented to the Court by the prosecution.

Parties are to notify the Court prior to the trial date if the case resolves and there is no longer a need for jurors to be present.

Decorum

The courtroom is an environment where all shall be treated in a respectful and courteous manner, ensuring to all parties that justice is being served. Counsel should ask permission to approach a witness. Judge Peeples has no attire requirements or prohibitions except no sunglasses or hats (religious headwear are exempt). Cell phones and wireless devices must remain off while in the courtroom, unless necessary for court proceedings.

Dates

Continuances will be granted when requested if it is within rule, at least one (1) week prior to trial. Opposing parties must be contacted regarding requests.

Status Conferences

Status conferences are held on the Friday before trial and all parties are required to appear. Any motions or additional filings that could result in the delay of the trial will be addressed at this conference.

Jury Procedures

The Court will conduct preliminary questions and then counsel conducts voir dire. Peremptory challenge procedures are by the rules. The Court generally seats two alternates in addition to the sworn jurors. All parties must agree on the form of voir dire. The court prefers to limit questioning to the seated jurors and not the entire pool. If the entire pool is to be voir dired counsel must preface its questions with the juror's number. Jurors are permitted to inspect exhibits at trial and in the jury room. The jury is instructed by the Judge. Counsel is permitted to talk with jurors after the verdict is read.

Exhibits should be marked ahead of time with copies available for the Court and the parties. The originals maintained by the court reporter. Qualifications of experts should be confirmed in accordance with the law and the rules.