Although courts are rapidly reopening around the DMV, many courts will continue to hold hearings via remote videoconference over Zoom, Skype, and other similar software. This will especially be true for matters that can be decided by a judge only (also known as “bench trials”) or pretrial hearings. Remote court proceedings have proven to be an effective, convenient, and just way to hold trials while we weathered the pandemic.
With remote trials becoming the norm and likely to have staying power, here are a few tips for anyone who must appear in court online.
How to Avoid Going Viral with Your Remote Court Hearing
- Mind Your Surroundings. Even though you are attending court from your home (or elsewhere), pretend you are in the courthouse. Dress like you are in court and station yourself in a quiet and professional appearing location. That way, the judge will be able to focus easily on you and your testimony when the time comes for you to tell the judge all the important details about your case.
- Mind Your Screen. Be very careful with any screen names; you may have been “Pop-Pop” or “Big Boss Man” the last time you entered a videoconference, but that is not how you want the judge to refer to you. Make sure your screen name is only your name, which will assist the court to identify you and will avoid any embarrassing or awkward moments with the judge. Log on ahead of time to update your name and ensure there are no embarrassing filters, like this viral court hearing where the man had trouble removing the cat face filter. Remember to also close any unrelated computer programs which may be in the background. You may also have the opportunity to share your screen to use a cursor or draw on a photo where your accident happened.
- Mind Your Manners. In live court, the judge probably is focusing only on the person who is speaking, either an attorney or a witness on the witness stand. In remote court, all the attorneys, parties, and witnesses are plainly visible to the judge at the same time. If you disagree with what is being said by someone else, be hyper-aware that you are being watched closely (and easily) by the judge who will make a decision in your case. Put yourself on “mute” if it is not your turn to speak to avoid any missteps.
- Mind Your … Mind. When you are sitting in court, you would not dare take out your mobile phone and text with a friend or surf the web for the latest deals. Remain focused when in remote court. You never know when you may need to participate or (again) when the judge may be watching you.
While attending a remote court hearing, it is important to be prepared and offer the same respect you would if you were physically in the courtroom. If you have questions, please contact Bulman Dunie.
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