Readiness Hearing:  

The readiness hearing is usually held one week prior the trial.  This is a trial confirmation hearing.  Jury trials are very costly for the government, and the readiness hearing can prevent undue tax dollar waste.  The court will inquire if both parties are ready to proceed.  Unforeseen situations can occur, affecting witness availability requiring one party to request a continuance.  Often times both parties successfully negotiate an advantageous settlement and trial is no longer necessary. 

When both parties simply cannot agree upon a disposition they both confirm a trial is necessary.  The court then will attempt to accommodate everyone's schedules when assigning a specific day and time to begin the trial.  Bring your calendar with you to this hearing.  The courts do make an earnest effort to avoid conflicts. 

The readiness hearing is a large calendar involving numerous cases from numerous jurisdictions.  Expect spending more time in court for this hearing than the previous hearings.  Ask your attorney if your presence is necessary.  In rare circumstances the court may waive the presence of the defendant.  However, always assume your presence is required for every court hearing. 

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