a) evidentiary motions;
b) arraignments, except i) where the defendant is in custody and after consultation with counsel, waives physical presence, or ii) where a defendant is not in custody, is represented by counsel, the defendant waives physical presence, and the Commonwealth is not requesting bail;
c) changes of plea, except where the defendant waives physical presence and the court orders a virtual hearing for good cause;
d) initial probation violation hearings;
e) final probation violation hearings, except counsel may request to proceed virtually i) where the probationer is in custody and the probationer stipulates to the violation, the sentencing recommendation is agreed upon, and the probationer waives physical presence, or ii) where the probationer is not in custody, the probationer stipulates to the violation, the sentencing recommendation is agreed upon and does not include incarceration, and the defendant waives physical presence;
f) General Laws, Chapter 276, § 58A dangerousness hearings, except counsel may request to proceed virtually where the defendant is in custody, the defendant waives physical presence, and witnesses will not be called by either party;[1]
g) final trial conferences; and
h) warrant removals, except i) where the defendant is in custody or ii) where the defendant is not in custody and the Commonwealth and/or Probation Department is not requesting bail or detention; and
i) motions to revoke bail, except where the defendant is in custody.
To facilitate attorney/client communications, where the proceeding is scheduled to be conducted virtually, both defense counsel and the defendant or probationer should participate virtually; and where the proceeding is scheduled to be conducted in-person, both defense counsel and the defendant or probationer should appear in-person.