Rule 2.3. Initial Hearing
Effective January 1, 2024
(A) Advisements.
The court must advise the defendant of all applicable constitutional rights and deadlines under Ind. Code § 35-33-7-5.
(B) Preliminary Plea.
The court must enter a preliminary plea of not guilty unless a defendant enters a different plea.
(C) Unrepresented defendant.
If the defendant is unrepresented and has not waived the right to counsel, the state must not engage in plea negotiations or diversion agreements and the court must not accept a plea of guilty.
(D) Waiver of Hearing.
Upon a request from defendant’s counsel, a court may waive an initial hearing.