(a) When Required. When a plea of not guilty is entered, the court shall set a time for an omnibus hearing.(b) Time. The time set for the omnibus hearing shall allow sufficient time for counsel to (i) initiate and complete discovery; (ii) conduct further investigation of the case, as needed; and (iii) continue plea discussions.(c) Checklist. At the omnibus hearing, the trial court on its own initiative, utilizing a checklist substantially in the form of the omnibus application by plaintiff and defendant (see section (h)) shall:
(i) ensure that standards regarding provision of counsel have been complied with;(ii) ascertain whether the parties have completed discovery and, if not, make orders appropriate to expedite completion;(iii) make rulings on any motions, other requests then pending, and ascertain whether any additional motions, or requests will be made at the hearing or continued portions thereof;(iv) ascertain whether there are any procedural or constitutional issues which should be considered;(v) upon agreement of counsel, or upon a finding that the trial is likely to be protracted or otherwise unusually complicated, set a time for a pretrial conference; and(vi) permit defendant to change his plea.(d) Motions. All motions and other requests prior to trial should be reserved for and presented at the omnibus hearing unless the court otherwise directs. Failure to raise or give notice at the hearing of any error or issue of which the party concerned has knowledge may constitute waiver of such error or issue. Checklist forms substantially like the memorandum required by section (h) shall be made available by the court and utilized at the hearing to ensure that all requests, errors and issues are then considered.(e) Continuance. Any and all issues should be raised either by counsel or by the court without prior notice, and if appropriate, informally disposed of. If additional discovery, investigation or preparation, or evidentiary hearing, or formal presentation is necessary for a fair and orderly determination of any issue, the omnibus hearing should be continued from time to time until all matters raised are properly disposed of.(f) Record. A verbatim record (electronic, mechanical or otherwise), shall be made of all proceedings at the hearing.(g) Stipulations. Stipulations by any party shall be binding upon that party at trial unless set aside or modified by the court in the interests of justice.(h) Memorandum. At the conclusion of the hearing, a summary memorandum shall be made indicating disclosure made, rulings and orders of the court, stipulations, and any other matters determined or pending. Such summary memorandum shall be in substantially the following form:
