HELPFUL ZOOM INFORMATION FOR MAGISTRATE COURT HEARINGS Will the Court tell me how to join the remote hearing? The Court will send you a hearing invitation using the email address you provide. This Zoom meeting invitation will be required for you to enter the hearing on the previously noticed date and time. How to Get Ready for Your Remote hearing. · Make sure you have good internet connection. · Download the Zoom App. · Practice with Zoom before the hearing so you feel comfortable. · Make sure your computer or other device is fully charged. If using your cellular phone, make sure you have enough minutes. · Use earbuds or headphones, if possible. This frees up your hands, and improves sound quality. · PRIOR TO THE HEARING, email the Court and other parties any evidence you intend to use. This would be documents, photos, etc. · Notify the Court and other parties if you have witnesses. If necessary, the Court will send them an emailed Zoom invitation to participate in the hearing. Get Your Space Ready! · Find a quiet place where no one will interrupt you during the hearing. · Have all your papers ready, including a list of what you want to tell the Judge. · Know what time your hearing starts and how to log on or what number to call. Look Good! · Set the camera at your eye level. If using your phone, prop it up so you may look at it without holding it. · Look at the camera, not the screen, when you speak. · Dress neatly. Wear soft solid colors. · Sit in a well-lit room, not too dark, not too bright. No bright lights behind you. Sound Good! · Pause before speaking in case there is any audio/video lag. · Mute yourself when not speaking to improve sound quality. · Say your name each time your speak. · Talk slowly and do not interrupt. What should I expect during the hearing? · When you first join, the Judge will take you from a “waiting room” to the “hearing room.” The hearings are open to the public. The public, however, will be “muted” from speaking or being seen. · The Judge will make sure you can hear and talk, and go over all of the rules. · You will see a picture or name of each person in the hearing on your screen. The first one you see will be the person who is speaking. · Your hearing is live and will be recorded. Everyone there will hear what you say. · The Judge decides most cases at the end of the hearing. EVEN IF YOU ARE CONNECTING FROM HOME, THIS IS A COURT HEARING. PAY ATTENTION AND FOLLOW ALL RULES.