CIVIL MATTERS:  Videoconferencing may be used for all civil pretrials, early Scheduling Conferences, motions regarding discovery, adjournments, modifications to Scheduling Orders, Motions in Limine, post judgment collections, discovery matters, testimonial proofs for pro confesso hearings in divorce matters, motions for correction or amendment of pleadings, and motions for summary disposition.  Videoconferencing will not be used for trials or hearings wherein testimony of witnesses or presentation of evidence may occur. 

   CRIMINAL MATTERS:   Videoconferencing may be used for all initial Arraignments on Felony Information’s if not done in writing, Pretrial Conferences, Arraignments, and initial Show Causes on bond violations and probation violations, probation violation informal hearings, non-evidentiary motions and pleas.  Videoconferencing will not be used for trials, Final Pretrial Conferences, or any proceedings wherein the testimony of witnesses or presentation of evidence may occur, except in the discretion of the Court after all parties have had notice and an opportunity to be heard on the use of videoconferencing.  This includes Sentence hearings, motions, bond violation hearings, and probation violation formal hearings. 

    IN ALL MATTERS:  If there is a request by a participant to appear in person or the participant is unable to adequately use videoconferencing technology, the participant, along with the attorneys of record, will appear in-person before the Court.  Additionally, the Court reserves the right to determine that a case is not suited for videoconferencing.  All videoconferencing in matters involving the 28th Circuit Court will be conducted via Zoom at meeting ID # 630 706 0616. 

    Virtual courtroom proceedings are the same as in-person proceedings.  Appropriate conduct and attire are required.    The proceeding may be terminated if the video experience is not acceptable.   

Prohibited in the Courtrooms:

• weapons of any sort
• smoking or vaping
• chewing tobacco
• chewing of gum
• swearing or use of profanity
• any type of assaultive or disruptive behavior
• inappropriate attire, such as t-shirts with swear words, depicting violence or sexual acts, promoting drug or alcohol use; muscle shirts; tank tops; halter tops; shorts; cut-off jeans; baggy pants that fall below the hips; micro-mini skirts; pants with holes; hats (except those worn for religious purposes)
• consumption of food or beverages unless allowed by the presiding judge
• Noise – Silence is Mandatory. Court proceedings must be electronically recorded. Therefore, silence is a necessity, unless you are a party to the proceeding that is in progress. Disruptive behavior such as talking, laughing, shouting or creating other loud disturbances will not be tolerated. The security staff may remove offenders from the building and the judges may hold violators in contempt of court. Mild-toned conversations may be conducted in the lobbies, hallways and conference rooms. We strongly discourage bringing young children to court.
• Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Security staff may remove offenders from the building and judges may hold violators in contempt of court.

Addressing the Court:

• Address the judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge.” Address the referee as Mr. or Ms.
• Stand when addressing the court unless otherwise allowed by the judge presiding in the courtroom. Please advise the judge or hearing official if you have a disability that would make this difficult.
• Only one person at a time may speak during a court proceeding. This ensures greater accuracy in making a record by audio and video recording equipment.
• Speak clearly and loudly. The large courtrooms absorb sound, making it difficult to hear mumbling and soft-spoken voices. Speaking clearly and loudly ensures the judge and the court recorder/recording equipment are hearing what is being said.
• Address the court either from a counsel table or from a podium. These areas are equipped with microphones. Stepping away from these areas reduces the accuracy of the record.

Respect:

• Be respectful of the judge or hearing official, the court staff, attorneys, litigants, witnesses, jurors, and others. Maintain a respectful attitude at all times in the courthouse, courtroom, and hearing rooms. 

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