What is a pretrial disposition conference?
A pretrial conference is a time for the defendant to talk to the prosecutor. Discovery materials are exchanged and a plea offer is extended. The defendant may be represented by an attorney or may proceed pro per, without an attorney. The defendant may: • enroll in diversion, if eligible • enter into a written plea agreement • continue to plead not guilty and set the case to trial • plead guilty and let the judge determine the sentence • continue the pretrial disposition conference to retain an attorney or conduct discovery As a victim, you have the right to be present at the pre-trial disposition conference and the right to be heard at the sentencing, should the defendant plead guilty.