napa county superior court zoom appearances

It took a pandemic, but the future is now. Unless otherwise ordered, Napa County Superior Court allows counsel and parties to appear at hearings using Zoom. All you need to do is go to the Court's Remote Appearance Page, and click on the appropriate Court Department (aka courtroom) hyperlink. But even though you're not physically there, you must still comport yourself as if you're in the courtroom.

Before the Hearing: Visit www.zoom.us to learn about Zoom and download the app.

Day of the Hearing: Find the Zoom meeting information for the courtroom where you are scheduled to appear, and click the appropriate hyperlink.

• Confirm that your video and audio are working as expected
• Join the meeting at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time. You may be placed in a waiting room to be checked in

During the Hearing: Confirm that your device has adequate power and that you will have a reliable connection for the entire remote appearance. Make sure your microphone is muted when not talking.

Remote Appearance Protocols: Maintain court decorum.

• Make sure that your name is input correctly
• Wear appropriate clothing (at least from the waist up)
• Respect all participants as if you were appearing in court in person
• Be conscious of what is in your background, as it can be distracting (or possibly offensive) to others
• If you have an unstable connection, turning the camera off can help stabilize it
• Remote appearances are prohibited from being recorded or broadcast except in compliance with California Rule of Court 1.150.