How to prepare for a remote hearing

The Johnson County Superior Court 4 is conducting almost all hearings remotely until further notice.  We know that these are challenging times and we are all learning new ways of doing things.  Please follow the tips below to make sure that your remote appearance is as smooth as possible.

• Ensure that the court staff has your email address on file.
• Any person planning to use evidence in presenting your case (e.g. pictures, documents, recordings, etc.) is required to electronically file these as proposed exhibits or to email them to D04ElectronicCopy@co.johnson.in.us no less than 48 hours before the scheduled hearing.  Even though you submit them to the Court, these exhibits will not be considered unless they are admitted into evidence during the hearing.
• Attorneys or unrepresented persons can expect an email from Court staff about three business days before the hearing. The subject line of the email will include “Zoom meeting invitation.” If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder. If it is not in your spam folder, then contact the Court.
• If you are using a mobile device, you will have to download the Zoom app, but you do not have to create an account.
• The email will contain your meeting link, I.D., and password. A few minutes before the start of your hearing, select the link and enter the I.D. and password as prompted. You will arrive in a “waiting room” until the Judge enters the Zoom meeting.
• Attorneys or unrepresented parties will be responsible to provide the meeting code to clients, witnesses, and all other individuals they wish to participate in the Zoom hearing.
• Dress appropriately, like you would if you were going to a courthouse in person.
• Give your remote hearing your undivided attention.  Find a quiet place where you can be alone.  No eating, using your cellphone for anything else except connecting to the hearing, or talking to others.
• Witnesses will be placed in a waiting room until they are called to testify.  Please note that a witness will not be admitted into the hearing until they are ready to testify.  It is the responsibility of the attorney or unrepresented person to instruct the witnesses PRIOR TO THE HEARING regarding when to connect and to alert the witness when it is time to connect during the hearing.
• If you are more than 15 minutes late, the hearing will likely be conducted without you.  If you are having problems joining the meeting, contact the Court to let the staff know that you are trying to connect.