Remote Court Appearances

Participants may not record or broadcast the remote appearance unless specifically granted by the judicial officer. A violation of this rule may result in the imposition of sanctions set forth in California Rules of Court rule 1.150(f).

The court, in its discretion, may terminate the video appearance if it determines during the hearing that parties are not available at the calendar call, or delay due to disruption, noise, misconduct, a communication problem, a technical problem, or other issue. Understand the court may decide at any time to require a personal appearance and continue the hearing. Parties assume the risks of cost, time, delay, technical failure, and/or other issues that may arise out of this remote appearance.

Revised Penal Code sections 977 and 1043.5 and Government Code section 7165.1, and the added Penal Code section 977.3 allow the following remote appearances by defendants, attorneys and witnesses:
• Infractions: All parties and counsel may appear remotely in infraction (traffic) matters consistent with the requirements of Penal Code section 1428.5.
• Misdemeanors: Defendants may appear remotely in all misdemeanor proceedings except misdemeanor trials. Attorneys may appear remotely if the court finds it appropriate and practicable.
• Felonies: Defendants may appear remotely in all felony proceedings except trials and sentencing, unless the court allows the waiver of defendant’s presence for noncritical portions of felony trials where no testimonial evidence is taken. Remote proceedings are allowed in postconviction relief proceedings and as otherwise provided by law. Attorneys may appear remotely if the court finds it appropriate and practicable.
• Witnesses: Witnesses may appear remotely for misdemeanor and felony proceedings, except for felony trials, with the consent of both parties on the record, and the court. Witnesses may appear remotely as otherwise allowed by statute for the closed-circuit examination of victims of sexual crimes and conditional examinations of witnesses.

The Court will continue to allow remote appearances in most non-criminal proceedings pursuant to the provisions in Cal. Code of Civil Procedure §367.75 and Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.672. In most cases, you must notify the court and all other parties that you intend to appear remotely using form RA-010. If you intend to appear remotely, you must also submit and serve your evidence prior to the scheduled date.