(a) During Trial. Any judge regularly sitting in or assigned to the court may complete a jury trial if:
(1) the judge before whom the trial began cannot proceed because of death, sickness, or other disability; and
(2) the judge completing the trial certifies familiarity with the trial record.
(b) After a Verdict or Finding of Guilty.
(1) In General. After a verdict or finding of guilty, any judge regularly sitting in or assigned to a court may complete the court’s duties if the judge who presided at trial cannot perform those duties because of absence, death, sickness, or other disability.
(2) Granting a New Trial. The successor judge may grant a new trial if satisfied that:
(A) a judge other than the one who presided at the trial cannot perform the post-trial duties; or
(B) a new trial is necessary for some other reason.
(As amended Feb. 28, 1966, eff. July 1, 1966; Mar. 9, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 29, 2002, eff. Dec. 1, 2002.)