Conferences

In Suffolk County, the court date following the arraignment is usually a conference date. On the conference date the defense attorney will speak to the prosecutor about the case. Although an attorney may contact the Assistant District Attorney prior to the conference date, most cases are negotiated and eventually resolved on the conference date. Misdemeanor charges will sometimes be resolved on the first or second conference date if they are not too complicated. Other cases will be adjourned for a number of reasons including failing to reach an agreement, an adjournment for the prosecutor to perform an investigation, an adjournment for the prosecutor to speak to a complainant, an adjournment for the prosecutor to determine restitution, an adjournment for a defendant to obtain a drug or alcohol evaluation, as well as for a defendant to attend and complete counseling or a specific program. Cases that are not able to be resolved at the conference stage will eventually be set for hearings and or trial unless dismissed pursuant to a motion filed with the court.