May I virtually appear in court for a hearing or status conference?

The Thirty-eighth Judicial District Court is currently hearing matters in person and by video conferencing (Zoom). Those parties who wish to hear their case through Zoom should contact the Judge’s office and provide an email address. You will receive an email from the Court at the time of your hearing with a zoom link to join. The Court will admit you into the hearing/status conference when all parties are present. You will be placed into a virtual waiting room until that time. Please be patient.

Do I need special software to attend court online?

If you are using your phone or tablet, you need to DOWNLOAD the Zoom App. If you are using a computer, you need to DOWNLOAD the “Zoom Client for Meetings.” Please download Zoom days before court to make sure that it works properly.

MAKE SURE TO TEST ALL DEVICES AND INTERNET SPEED BEFORE YOUR HEARING. ANYTHING LESS THAN 15-20 MBPS MAY CAUSE CONNECTION PROBLEMS.

What if I or my client experiences technical or connection issues during the hearing?

Don’t panic, the Court will wait until you rejoin. Follow the same procedures you used to join the first time. If your internet is working and you are still having trouble rejoining, please try refreshing your browser before calling the Court.

Can I converse with my client privately during the remote proceeding?

Yes. The Court has the capability of placing you and your client into a virtual, break-out room. These rooms are private and the Court DOES NOT record or monitor either of these break-out rooms.

How do I obtain pretrial conference, motion and trial dates?

Scheduling Conference/Status Conference - You must send in a Motion to set Status/Scheduling conference to the Cameron Clerk of Court’s office or you must email jrichard@38jdc.com a letter requesting a conference and copy all parties on the email.

Motion- You must mail in your Motion with a Rule to Show Cause Order to the Cameron Clerk of Court’s Office.

Bench/Jury Trial- You must mail a letter requesting to be placed on the Court’s trial docket or You must mail a Motion to fix for Trial. Both should be mailed to the Cameron Clerk of Court’s Office.   

For scheduling questions contact Jaclyn Richard at: 337-775-5649 or jrichard@38jdc.com.          

When selecting a court date, do I first have to confirm the date selected with opposing counsel?

The Court encourages any party requesting a hearing to consult with opposing counsel to select an available date.

What are the procedures for submitting evidence?

If you need to submit evidence into the record during a virtual hearing, plan ahead.  Typically, evidence that may be offered during a pretrial hearing is already in the record as it was attached to the motion and memorandum. The Court will rule on its admissibility during the hearing.  If other evidence needs to be introduced at the time of the hearing, however, make sure you are familiar with how to share your screen and how to provide a copy of the exhibit to the Court and opposing counsel. If you’d like to discuss this procedure, please call the Judge’s chambers.

What if I need to cancel and/or reschedule the day and time of my hearing?

First, contact opposing counsel and confirm that there is no opposition to cancel/reschedule the hearing. Simply fax or email a letter to the Judge’s chambers jrichard@38jdc.com and to opposing counsel or (fax) 337-775-5197. If you are also rescheduling, you must state that there is no opposition and that all parties waive notice. Otherwise, a formal motion to reset will be required.

Where should I send a courtesy copy?

Please email all courtesy copies to the Judge’s secretary jrichard@38jdc.com. There is no need to mail or hand deliver a courtesy copy to chambers. Save the postage and printing costs.