Scheduling

      To inquire about scheduling a matter before Judge Sargent, counsel should contact Judge Sargent's case manager and scheduling clerk, Libby Stokes (tel.: 276-628-5116, email: libbys@vawd.uscourts.gov, fax: 276-628-1028), or, in her absence, Ella Surber (tel.: 276-628-5116, email: ellas@vawd.uscourts.gov, fax: 276-628-1028).

      In criminal matters, counsel should appear at the initial appearance and arraignment with available dates for trial and final pretrial conference. At that time, a trial date within the time allowed by the Speedy Trial Act will be set. A date for a final pretrial conference before the magistrate judge approximately 14 days before trial also will be set.

     In civil matters, as soon as a case had matured, Judge Sargent will normally enter a proposed standard jury scheduling order, fixing the trial date and setting various pretrial deadlines.  If no jury has been demanded, a proposed standard nonjury scheduling order will be entered, setting a date for a bench trial. Unless objection is made within 10 days of the date of entry, the proposed order will constitute the scheduling order in the case, and may not be changed without the permission of the court.

    By Standing Order 2006-05 entered August 29, 2006, all criminal and civil cases on the court's docket assigned to the Honorable Glen M. Williams, Senior United States District Judge, with the exception of Social Security cases, are referred to Judge Sargent for full pretrial management, including conducting all proceedings which may arise prior to trial.

     If counsel desires to be heard on a motion, a request for hearing should be made in either the motion or the response to the motion.  If no such request for a hearing is made, the court will assume the matter is to be decided on the parties' written submissions. On request, Judge Sargent will permit counsel to appear by telephone or video conferencing.