Zoom Hearings
When possible, counsel, agency representatives, social workers, parents, etc., should list their full names, titles, and affiliation with the case in their Zoom description. For example, “Atty Jane Appleseed, GAL,” “Atty Paula Bunyan, PFSN,” “Arthur Oakley, FCCS caseworker,” “Daniella Boone, mother of Tara Boone.” Youth, parents, and other affiliated persons are not required to list descriptive information but are strongly encouraged to provide the requested information.
All parties should Zoom or call into the virtual hearings from a stationary location. Please DO NOT Zoom or call into courtroom proceeding while driving.
Preferences and Practices
Be on time. Be prepared to proceed with your case. If an emergency arises or you will be late, please notify the court officer immediately and provide a phone number at which you can be reached. Failure to appear on time may result in the case proceeding without you or being dismissed.
If orders are being requested, contact FCCS in advance of the court date, so that an FCCS Liaison may be present for the hearing. The court prefers not to issue blind orders.
Professionalism and Civility
Professionalism and civility are expected of all persons entering the courtroom. All parties and counsel are expected to be respectful and courteous to the court staff, the attorneys, and parties on your own case, as well any other people with whom you may interact. Be quiet in the courtroom while other hearings are in progress. Be mindful of the hallway noise that filters in each time the doors are opened. Cell phones and electronics should only be used in the courtroom on the current case as absolutely necessary or with permission from the court.
All parties and counsel are expected to wear appropriate attire during all court proceedings. Hair bonnets and other sleepwear attire should not be worn in the courtroom or for Zoom court proceedings.
Diversion / Mediation
Diversion and mediation of cases is always encouraged. Consistent with the Court’s adherence to JDAI principles, delinquency and unruly matters should avoid formal Court involvement, if possible. In appropriate cases, attempts should be made to divert or mediate delinquency matters prior to or at the initial hearing. Mediation of pre- and post-adjudication AND cases will be liberally ordered.
Trial
Provide copies of all pretrial motions to the court prior to the trial date.
Counsel and their clients should be prepared to start trials at their scheduled time. Negotiation and agreed resolutions should be completed prior to trial. If a resolution short of trial has been agreed to by all parties, inform the court as soon as possible so the court’s schedule can be adjusted. Exchange witness lists and copies of all exhibits with opposing counsel prior to trial to avoid issues. Please present any stipulations to the court at the start of the trial in writing. Stipulations are encouraged.
Televisions and computer equipment are available for use during trial and other hearings. Parties and their counsel are responsible for making a request for such equipment to the juvenile secretary at least 72 hours prior to the hearing. If a translator is needed for a trial or hearing, then plan ahead of time so that delays are avoided.
Continuances
Continuances may be granted for good cause and should be requested at the earliest possible opportunity. Continuances are granted by the court and not by the agreement of the parties.
Appearance of Children
Children of school age who are not parties to a case should not be brought or appear at court during normal school hours.
Guardians Ad Litem Make sure you have up-to-date information and a report when appropriate. Please comply with Franklin County Local Juvenile Rule 4 and Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.
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