Status conference is a meeting that occurs before trial where attorneys from opposing parties and sometimes a judge meet. The nature of a status conference often will depend on the type of case. A status conference in a criminal case will often consist of prosecution and defense attorneys exchanging evidence, but they sometimes may involve discussing plea bargains. In civil cases, status conferences can involve exchanging evidence, stipulating to certain terms, and starting negotiations on a settlement agreement. Sometimes a judge will attend a status conference to give their opinion on plea or settlement offers and setting timelines for other pre-trial matters.
[Last updated in August of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]