Rule 31 . Sanctions for noncompliance.

(a) All attorneys and parties appearing in this court must comply with the following rules: (1) All attorneys and parties must attend and be prepared to conduct preliminary hearings, bench and jury trials, and evidentiary hearings at the designated time and date, unless the court has previously waived counsel or a party’s appearance or the court has approved, prior to the designated date and time of the hearing, the parties’ stipulation that evidence will not be admitted at the time of the preliminary hearing, bench or jury trial, or evidentiary hearing; and (2) All attorneys must promptly and diligently communicate with necessary individuals (i.e., opposing counsel, clients, or victims) to resolve or negotiate cases prior to the designated date and time of a preliminary hearing, bench trial, jury trial, or evidentiary hearing, to minimize or avoid unnecessary expenses and costs. (b) If a party or an attorney fails or refuses to comply with these rules, the court may make such orders and impose such sanctions as are just, including but not limited to the following: (1) Holding the noncompliant party or attorney in contempt of court; (2) Continuing any hearing until the noncompliant party or attorney has complied with the requirements imposed; (3) Requiring the disobedient party to pay the other party’s expenses, including reasonable attorney fees and costs; (4) Requiring the noncompliant party to pay reasonable witness fees, juror fees, and travel expenses; (5) Requiring the noncompliant party to pay court reporter fees; and (6) Entering any order authorized by JCRCP 37 .