S.D. 2d Jud. Cir., Judge Sandra Hoglund Hanson Preferences

CIRCUIT JUDGE PREFERENCES:

Judge Sandra Hoglund Hanson

ATTORNEY CONTACT

1. Generally, how do you prefer attorney contact? Email.

2. How do you prefer to receive briefs? Email.

3. Would you like to receive copies of pleadings and affidavits related to

a brief or motion? Yes.

4. How do you prefer to receive proposed orders? Email.

CIVIL SCHEDULING AND PRACTICE

5. What is the preferred method for setting a civil motions hearing,

other than in open court? Contact Court Administration; generally, all

counsel of record must agree to date.

6. Do you want courtesy copies of the main statutes or cases relied

upon in briefs or motions? Yes.

7. Who should be contacted to request/schedule a telephonic

appearance? Court via email.

8. Do you require a motion or want some form of notice if the parties

have stipulated to an extension of a deadline in a scheduling order?

Yes, if it may impact hearing or trial dates.

9. Should stipulations between counsel on evidentiary issues and/or

legal issues be submitted to you in writing? Yes. Stipulations regarding

non-controversial matters are encouraged. If stipulations are reached in

advance of trial or hearing, submission in writing helps avoid potential

confusion. If stipulation is reached in open court, a writing may not be

necessary.

10. What is the preferred method for scheduling a civil jury trial? Contact

Court Administration; generally, all attorneys must agree to date.

11. Do you require pretrial conferences and what agenda do you have for

pretrial conferences? No. Parties may request a pretrial conference. If

complex or unusual issues are anticipated, requesting a pretrial

conference is encouraged. For example, if parties anticipate submitting

non-standard motions in limine, evidentiary disputes, or the like, a

pretrial conference (not the morning of trial) is preferred.

12. Do you have a standard pretrial order? No.

13. Do you have any requirements for court trials that are different from

your jury trial expectations? No. If complex or unusual legal issues are

anticipated, submission of a pretrial brief is preferred.

14. How do you conduct voir dire? Strike down method. The court will ask

the potential jurors some preliminary, general questions. Most of voir dire

will then be conducted by counsel. If lengthy or unusual voir dire is

anticipated or requested, contact the Court and counsel in advance of

the trial date.

15. Do you require a pretrial brief? No. A pretrial brief is not required, but is

preferred if counsel anticipate complex or unusual issues. This brief

should be submitted in advance of trial, i.e., not the eve or morning of

trial.

16. Do you require pretrial findings of fact and conclusions of law in a

court trial? No. Pretrial submission is not required, but will be welcomed

and considered, particularly if parties anticipate complex or unusual

issues or circumstances.

17. Is there anything else you would like attorneys to know about how

you conduct civil matters? Counsel are expected to know and follow the

rules of civil procedure, including the local rules, and evidence. To the

extent it accords with their vigorous advocacy of their clients, counsel are

encouraged to work cooperatively with respect to standard stipulations

and practices and to treat each other with civility.

CRIMINAL SCHEDULING AND PRACTICE

18. What is the preferred method for setting a criminal motions hearing,

other than in open court? Contact Court Administration; generally, all

counsel of record must agree to date

19. What is the preferred method for seeking a reset of a routine criminal

court appearance? Coordinate with opposing counsel and contact Court

Administration and the Court via email, with copies to all counsel of

record.

20. When a suppression motion is filed, do you require or request a pre-

evidentiary brief to lay out the issues to be argued? Yes.

21. Do you have any standard sentences or sentencing policies of which

attorneys should be aware? No

22. If answer to previous question is yes, please provide examples. (e.g.,

no suspended imps in certain situations, fine paid in full on day of

sentencing, etc.) No Response.

23. Is there anything else you would like attorneys to know about how

you conduct criminal matters? Please review court preferences for civil

matters.

COURTROOM PROTOCOL

24. Does the Court prefer that lawyers:

a. Stand when addressing the court: No.

b. Ask permission to approach an adverse witness: Yes.

c. Ask permission to approach their own witness: No.

d. Ask permission before moving about the well of the courtroom:

No.

e. Ask permission to publish an admitted exhibit to the jury: Yes.

25. Do you allow lawyers to have cell phones in your courtroom? Yes.

26. Do you mind if lawyers check email, etc while waiting in the gallery

for their case to be called? No.

27. Is there anything else you would like attorneys to know about your

preferred courtroom protocol? Counsel are expected to act with

courtesy and respect. While court is in session, if counsel, parties, and/or

witnesses who are not involved in the particular hearing or matter need

to confer, they should step outside the courtroom to do so. While smart

phones are permitted in the courtroom, they should be turned off or

silenced so that they do not "ring" or buzz during court. If counsel have

questions about protocol, they can ask in the courtroom or via email.

DOMESTIC CASES

28. Are there any special issues that arise in your courtroom in domestic

cases that you would like the Bar to be aware of? No Response.

29. Do you have a standard pretrial order? No.

30. Do you require:

a. Pre-trial conference: Yes.

b. Pre-trial mediation: No.

c. Asset/Debt spreadsheet (if so, please provide a copy of the required

form): Yes.

d. Pre-trial brief: Yes.

e. Pre-trial submission of proposed Findings of Fact and

Conclusions of Law: No.

31. If the parties stipulate to temporary or final matters, how do you

prefer attorneys proceed? Depending upon the circumstances, counsel

may prepare a written stipulation and proposed order and forward to the

Court, with copies to all counsel of record.

32. Is there anything else you would like attorneys to know about how

you conduct domestic cases? No Response.

COURTHOUSE

33. Does your courtroom/courthouse have any of the following: (please list

all applicable counties)

a. Separate tables for counsel: Yes.

b. Accessibility for attorneys, parties and witnesses who use

wheelchairs: Yes.

c. Podium: Upon request.

d. Microphone system: Yes.

e. Photocopier: Yes.

f. Free internet access or law library for visiting lawyers: Yes.

g. Screen for video presentation: Yes, coordinate with Court

Administration in advance.

h. Computer or television for video presentations: Yes, coordinate

with Court Administration in advance.

34. Is there anything not previously addressed that you would like

attorneys practicing in your court to know? If counsel, parties, or

witnesses need other accommodation, please contact the court or Court

Administration in advance to submit such a request. If counsel have

questions regarding courtroom protocol, practices, or the like, they may

contact the court while in session or via email