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Remote Court Appearances

“Remote appearances” refer to appearances for a court hearing made by telephone or by video by a party, defendant, attorney, witness, victim, or others (social workers, tribal representatives, CASA, other experts.)  

courtroom Remote Appearance Connection Information
Información sobre comparecencias remotas en español 
RECORDING COURT PROCEEDINGS WITHOUT PERMISSION IS UNLAWFUL

Participants may not record or broadcast the remote appearance except in compliance with California Rules of Court rule 1.150.  A violation of this rule may result in the imposition of sanctions set forth in California Rules of Court rule 1.150(f).

PUBLIC OBSERVERS OF COURT PROCEEDINGS

The court welcomes all members of the public to observe all non-confidential court proceedings.  Members of the public that are not parties to a case must come in person to the courthouse where the proceedings are being heard.  The public may not attend court proceedings via Zoom.

In the event a member of the public needs an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or is unable to attend in person due to a travel restriction, a request to observe the proceeding remotely must be made two (2) business days in advance of the court hearing via email to Court Administration.  The request will be submitted to the judge presiding over the hearing for approval.  If approved, the attendee will need to enter their full name when logging in to the Zoom meeting.  Audio must be muted, and the camera must be turned off during the proceedings.  The court has the discretion to terminate the Zoom appearance if the attendee is disruptive to the proceedings.

Prior to appearing remotely for a court hearing, consider the following:

Before the Hearing:

  • Visit www.zoom.us to learn how Zoom works.
  • Download Zoom app to your computer, tablet, or phone.
  • You do not need a Zoom account to participate in a meeting.
  • Exhibits for Hearings:  Any exhibits that the parties wish to offer must be e-filed two (2) business days before the hearing.  Self-represented litigants who are not e-filing their documents must file exhibits with the clerk’s office the day before the hearing.
  • You may appear by phone if you do not have access to video.  If appearing by phone, a land line is preferred.  If using a cellular phone, the cellular connection must be strong enough to enable the court and other parties to hear the entire duration of the call.  You must follow the same steps as video appearances.

Day of the Hearing:

  • Find the Zoom meeting information for the courtroom where you are scheduled to appear.
  • Confirm that your video and audio are working as expected.
  • Participants must ensure that they have sufficient battery power for the entire hearing.  Access to charging equipment is recommended.
  • Ensure that they have access to sufficiently strong internet connection for the duration of the hearing.
  • Join the meeting at least 5 minutes before your scheduled court appearance.  You may be placed in a waiting room to be checked in.

During the Hearing:

  • Ensure that your microphone is muted when not talking.  Do not speak until it is clear that it is your turn to speak, and your case is called.
  • Eliminate any background or distracting noises
  • Ensure consistent lighting during the hearing if appearing by video.
  • Speak slowly and directly into the microphone on the device used to connect to the court session.
  • Identify yourself each time you speak.
  • Avoid interrupting others

Remote Appearance Etiquette:

  • Participate with the same degree of courtesy, decorum, use of appropriate language, and courtroom etiquette as required for an in person appearance.
  • Avoid interrupting others
  • Dress appropriately in the same manner as you would for an in person court appearance.
REMOTE APPEARANCES ON CRIMINAL CASES

Remote appearances by criminal defendants must be approved in advance of the hearing date by the judge.  Criminal defendants who want to request a remote appearance must file local form MCR-115 Request and Order for Remote Appearance at the clerk’s office or by email to Court Administration no later than noon two (2) business days prior to the hearing.  An email address or cell phone number must be included on your request.  The court will notify you via the contact information provided on your form whether your request has been granted.  If you do not receive a confirmation, you are required to come to your hearing in person.

REMOTE APPEARANCES ON CIVIL, FAMILY LAW, PROBATE CASES

Parties in a civil, family law, probate, or other non-criminal matter that wish to appear remotely must complete and file Judicial Council form RA-010 Notice of Remote Appearance and Judicial Council form RA-020 Order Regarding Remote Appearance with the court.  These forms must be served on all parties in the proceedings.  If any party opposes a remote appearance, they must complete and file Judicial Council Form RA-015 Opposition to Remote Proceedings at Evidentiary Hearing or Trial with the court.  This form must also be served on all parties in the proceedings.  Information concerning filing deadlines can be found on the last page of each document.

COURT’S DISCRETION REGARDING REMOTE APPEARANCES
  • Nothing limits the court’s ability to order personal appearance instead of a telephone or video appearance.  The court retains full discretion to conclude the video or telephonic appearance on its own motion and reschedule the hearing for another date and time due to delay or other concern due to disruption, noise, misconduct, a communication problem, a technical problem, other issue, or in the interest of justice.
  • The court may continue a hearing and require an in-person appearance if clear communication is not possible by a video or phone appearance or if there is a distraction or disturbance that interferes with the hearing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Most court appearances can be done remotely.  Long-cause hearings, court trials, and jury trials require in person appearances.
  • Defendants in criminal matters must be approved by the judge for remote appearance at any hearing.
  • Do not use Internet Explorer.  The following browsers are recommended for use:
    • Both Windows and Apple Devices:
      • Google Chrome 102 or later
      • Mozilla Firefox 105 or later
    • Windows Devices Only:
      • Microsoft Edge 102 or later.
      • Apple Devices Only:
      • Apple Safari 16.4 or later
  • Use a wired connection with your computer.  Connect your tablet to Wi-Fi.  The court does not recommend using a smart phone and cellular data as it may cause quality issues with your video appearance.

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