Does anyone know how I can find out in advance when the trial is scheduled? Not sure of my schedule, but I would like to attend the trial if possible.
90 days to go to grand jury, so this is the last prelim before that and then 6 months to go to trial.
The short answer is probably 6 months or longer before the trial scheduled.
I have found that public access to New Jersey
criminal court cases top my list as most difficult to obtain information.
PROMIS/Gavel Public Access for NJ Courts provides that only defendants with a case(s) for which they were convicted and sentenced in Superior Court display in search results.
Obviously this does little good for cases in progress or looking for defendants cases prior to conviction!
Depending on the County -- some courthouses have Kiosks where you can look up a docket. However, in my opinion, for whatever reason, this case has been shrouded in secrecy from the beginning -- and one with very little media coverage.
By this time in an investigation, I've usually found a reporter that's consistently been reporting on a case and that goes to the County Court often, and will share schedule dates. Not with this case....
At this time, we know the preliminary hearing was on Oct 24 where it was formally announced that the DA's office offered a plea deal to Saal. We also learned a Grand Jury would convene early November if not accepted by that time.
Last week (Nov 15) it was reported that a Grand Jury indicted Saal and there was no reporting that I'm aware of between the preliminary and the indictment!
I know this isn't what you asked but If I was local I'd probably contact the Prosecutors Office in a few months and ask if this case has been scheduled for trial yet.
They've published their phone number again in the last article saying the investigation is active and continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tim McMahon of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609) 799-2333 ext. 1627, or Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4436.