Opinion
19-CR-326 (KMW)
06-03-2021
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, v. JEREMIAS JIMINEZ CRUZ, Defendant.
ORDER
KIMBA WOOD, United States District Judge
The defendant's conference will occur as a video/teleconference using the CourtCall platform on June 7, 2021, at 11:00 am.
To optimize the quality of the video feed, only the Court, the Defendant, defense counsel, and counsel for the Government will appear by video for the proceeding; all others will participate by telephone. Due to the limited capacity of the CourtCall system, only one counsel per party may participate. Co-counsel, members of the press, family and the public may access the audio feed of the conference by calling 855-268-7844 and using access code 3209 1812 # and PIN #9921299.
In advance of the conference, Chambers will email the parties with further information on how to access the conference. Those participating by video will be provided a link to be pasted into their browser. The link is non-transferrable and can be used by only one person; further, it should be used only at the time of the conference because using it earlier could result in disruptions to other proceedings.
To optimize use of the CourtCall technology, all those participating by video should:
1. Use the most recent version of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari as the web browser. Do not use Internet Explorer.
2. Use hard-wired internet or WiFi. If using WiFi, the device should be positioned as close to the Wi-Fi router as possible to ensure a strong signal. (Weak signals may cause delays or dropped feeds.)
3. Minimize the number of others using the same WiFi router during the conference.
Further, all participants must identify themselves every time they speak, spell any proper names for the court reporter, and take care not to interrupt or speak over one another. Finally, all of those accessing the conference - whether in listen-only mode or otherwise - are reminded that recording or rebroadcasting of the proceeding is prohibited by law.
If possible, defense counsel shall discuss the attached Waiver of Right to be Present at Criminal Proceeding with the Defendant prior to the proceeding. If the Defendant consents, and is able to sign the form (either personally or, in accordance with Standing Order 20-MC-174 of March 27, 2020, by defense counsel), defense counsel shall file the executed form at least 24 hours prior to the proceeding. In the event the Defendant consents, but counsel is unable to obtain or affix the Defendant's signature on the form, the Court will conduct an inquiry at the outset of the proceeding to determine whether it is appropriate for the Court to add the Defendant's signature to the form.
To the extent that there are any documents relevant to the proceeding (e.g., proposed orders or documents regarding restitution, forfeiture, or removal), counsel should submit them to the Court (by email or on ECF, as appropriate) at least at least 24 hours prior to the proceeding. To the extent any documents require the Defendant's signature, defense counsel should endeavor to get them signed in advance of the proceeding as set forth above; if defense counsel is unable to do so, the Court will conduct an inquiry during the proceeding to determine whether it is appropriate for the Court to add the Defendant's signature.
SO ORDERED.