A. Criminal Trials. In consideration of the right to a speedy trial contained in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-1207 (Reissue 2016), criminal cases shall, as nearly as possible, be called for trial in the order of appearance on the docket.

   B. Arraignment. A defendant who has been bound over on a felony charge and is represented by counsel may file a written waiver of arraignment and plea of not guilty pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-4206 (Reissue 2016).

   C. Criminal Jury Trial Priority. For the purpose of jury selection, those courts trying criminal cases shall be given priority.

   D. Failure to Appear. If a defendant fails to appear and a bond forfeiture is ordered, it shall be the duty of the prosecutor to take all further legal action necessary to ensure that judgment is entered upon the bond forfeiture.

   E. Criminal Pretrial Conference. The prosecutor attending a pretrial conference shall be fully knowledgeable about the case and shall have the authority to make decisions concerning trial dates, discovery, pleas, and similar matters relating to the timely disposition of the case. Any attorney attending such a conference on behalf of a defendant shall likewise be fully knowledgeable about the case and shall have obtained the defendant’s authorization to make similar decisions.

Adopted effective December 29, 1995; amended effective April 18, 1997; amended effective June 15, 2016; amended September 21, 2022.