Many Courts utilize "Zoom" video conferencing for official hearings, mediations and other attorney meetings. Zoom allows attorneys, clients and court officials to meet and hold hearings virtually, saving time and money for all involved. This guide is intended to help clients understand what to expect and how to proceed with these appearances successfully.
Logging in for Video:
Courts will always prefer you login WITH video for official proceedings.
Proceed to zoom.us/join
Make sure you have your Zoom “Meeting ID” and “Password” (note that some hearings will NOT have passwords and will only use the Meeting ID)
Once you enter the ID and password, you will be taken to a digital “waiting room”. Note that, just like if you were at the courthouse, the Court may be running behind and you may need to sit in the digital waiting room until the Court is ready to move forward with your case. Make sure you login on time and the Court will be able to see you are there waiting. Do not log out or leave, even if you are waiting for an extended period of time, the Court can see that you are logged in.
Make sure you have a good internet connection, if you do not, you should consider using only telephone connection.
Logging in for Just Audio:
If you have a bad internet connection, it may be a good idea to use just a telephone line to connect to your hearing. Please ask your attorney if calling in is acceptable for your type of hearing/meeting.
Most Zoom invitations will also include dial in information. To use this, just call the number and enter the Meeting ID and Password to enter the hearing. You will again be placed into a digital “waiting room” until your hearing is ready to start.
Zoom Guidelines:
Remember that a digital hearing is just a digital courtroom, the same appearance and conduct rules apply and the hearing is recorded for official records. The virtual hearing room is an extension of the courtroom.
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for your hearing and behave as though you are sitting in Court. Do not interrupt attorneys or hearing officials. Do not eat your lunch. Discuss the procedure for your particular hearing ahead of time with your attorney so you can know what to expect if needed.
You must be alone in a quiet room while appearing. Do not have anyone else around you or in the same room with you during your hearing.
Do not sit in front of a window, your face will not be visible and the Court must be able to identify you.
Put your device (laptop, telephone, tablet) on a solid surface in front of you during the hearing, do not hold it in your hand or lap.
If you see that your connection is not holding up, have your cell phone ready to call in if necessary with the dial up information handy.
Make sure your device is plugged in! Video/audio uses a lot of battery and if your device loses power, you may be disconnected and unable to get back into the hearing!
Our office is currently meeting with clients via Zoom too! Meet with an attorney from the safety and comfort of your home or office. Ready to get started? Call our office today at 269-381-4471.
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