Rule 25. Judge’s Disability
(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.