Pretty much! Both types of cases have pretrial conferences to make sure everything is squared away before going to trial.
If no agreement is made, the case will move forward to trial, where a judge or jury will make the final decision.
Absolutely! Many cases find common ground during these meetings, and it's a great chance to resolve things without a full trial.
It’s a good idea to bring any relevant documents, notes, and your attorney should have all the important information ready to go.
Generally, these conferences don't take too long, often ranging from a half hour to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case.
Typically, the judge, attorneys for both sides, and sometimes the parties involved are present. It’s a simple gathering to get everyone on the same page.
A pretrial conference is a meeting before the trial where both parties discuss the case, review the evidence, and try to settle things before hitting the courtroom.