2025 Session Last amended: 2000 session

§ 630.36 — Issues, How Disposed of

Plain-Language Summary

Criminal cases must be tried in a specific order of priority. Cases where the defendant is in jail come first, followed by child abuse and domestic abuse cases where the defendant is out on bail, then other felonies on bail, and finally misdemeanors on bail. After entering a plea, a defendant gets at least four days to prepare for trial.

Practical Notes
This prioritization ensures that people held in custody get their cases resolved first, and that cases involving child abuse and domestic abuse receive priority over other cases. Either party can ask the court to change the order for good cause. The four-day preparation period is a minimum right that defendants should be aware of.