Pretrial Procedures

Pretrial procedures are the steps taken before a trial begins in a legal case. They include filing a complaint, responding to it, and gathering evidence through discovery, where both sides exchange information. Pretrial motions may be filed to resolve issues before the trial, such as requesting the dismissal of the case or suppressing evidence. A pretrial conference may occur to discuss the case and encourage settlement. These procedures help ensure that the trial is fair and focused on relevant issues, allowing both parties to prepare adequately for the courtroom.