Fresno — 1.1.19

Source: https://www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/september-2022-chapter-i-administrative-rule-1119-rev-091522.pdf

FRESNO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

CHAPTER 1. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

RULE 1.1 GENERAL

1.1.19 Remote Appearances

A. General

1. The purpose of this Local Rule is to provide greater access to
justice, promote court efficiency, and facilitate remote proceedings, and is
adopted pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 367.75 and California Rules
of Court, rule 3.672.

2. Definitions and notice requirements are as set forth in rule 3.672.

3. A remote court appearance is a court appearance. A person
appearing remotely must observe the same degree of courtesy, decorum, and
courtroom etiquette as required for an in-person appearance.

4. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, any recording,
reproduction, or re-broadcasting of a remote proceeding, including transcription,
screen shots, or other visual or audio copying, is strictly prohibited.

5. Parties and witnesses who intend to appear remotely must ensure
that they have sufficient technology to fully participate in all aspects of a hearing
without disruption. Persons appearing by video must have a device capable of
displaying a clear video stream. All persons appearing remotely must appear
from an indoor location with limited background noise.

6. Nothing in this rule limits the discretion of a judicial officer to require
an in-person appearance, even where a remote appearance has been authorized
and commenced.

B. Remote Platforms

The Fresno County Superior Court utilizes the following audio/video platforms for

appearances:

1. Zoom (Video & Audio)

2. CourtCall (Audio Only)

3. Telephonic

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FRESNO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

C. Scheduling Remote Appearances

Remote appearances are scheduled through different methods based on the

case type, hearing type, and department.

1. For hearing types that require written notice of intent to appear
remotely, the following procedures apply:

a. If the remote appearance is allowed by the judicial officer,
the Court may schedule the remote appearance on behalf of the parties.

b. If the judicial officer determines that an in-person
appearance would materially assist in hearing the matter before the Court,
the Court will notify the party that they must appear in person.

2. Requirements and deadlines to notice the Court and all other
parties of an intent to appear remotely for specific hearing type are listed on the
Court’s website (https://www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/).

3. Forms can be located on the Court's website or the Judicial
Council's website (https://www.courts.ca.gov/).

4. Parties who are not assessed a filing fee or who have been granted
a fee waiver will not be charged fees for video or audio appearances.

5. All parties mandated to file electronically should refer to Rule 4.1.2
(Electronic Filing). Parties not required to electronically file must include a Proof
of Serve or Declaration of Notice. All Civil and Family Law requests must include
a proposed order (Judicial Council Form RA-020).

6. Pursuant California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, any recording,
reproduction or re-broadcasting of a court proceeding held remotely including
transcription, screen shots or other visual or audio copying of a hearing is strictly
prohibited.

7. Any requests to appear remotely must include an e-mail address or
self-addressed, stamped envelope for noticing of the Court’s Ruling. (Effective
September 15, 2022, New)

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