Ark. R. Crim. P. 20.1 (2026)

Rule 20.1. General Procedural Requirements: Policy Statement.

(a) In all criminal cases, procedures prior to trial should reflect recognition of the possible need for the following three (3) stages:

(i) an exploratory stage, initiated by counsel and conducted without court supervision to implement discovery required or authorized under these rules;

(ii) an omnibus stage, supervised by the trial court and requiring court appearance when necessary;

(iii) a trial planning stage, requiring pretrial conferences when necessary.

(b) These stages should be adapted to the needs of the particular case and may be modified or eliminated as appropriate.