Title - I

Chapter Title - Judges, Facsimile Transmissions To The Court, and Technology-Related Rules

Chapter - 3 Rule 3.5

Appendix - 3.5 Court-Specific Rules Concerning Simultaneous Appearance by a Party or Witness by Audio-Visual Transmission

Effective October 8, 2019; amended effective May 15, 2020; amended effective July 10, 2020.

CIVIL MATTERS Upon determination by the presiding judge of the existence of special circumstances which dictate the necessity for such, the court in a civil case may order that any Hearing or Bench Trial be conducted via Video Conferencing. Consent of all parties is required, however, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by the party, which shall be enforced by the trial judge pursuant to the authority granted by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 191, or as otherwise expressly provided by law. All documentary evidence expected to be utilized at the Hearing or Trial shall be delivered to and received by the court and all parties at least seven (7) days prior to the Hearing or Trial, pre-marked and numbered. Physical evidence must be made available for examination by all parties at least seven (7) days prior to the Hearing or Trial. Other than for Summary Judgments, all evidence must be introduced during the Hearing or Trial. Parties are responsible for marshalling all evidence admitted during the Hearing or Trial and delivering same to the court within seven (7) days of the close of evidence, Parties are responsible for insuring that Notice and Service of Process have been given to all parties and witnesses.

CRIMINAL MATTERS Pursuant to all of the provisions of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure article 562, a Defendant may waive his/her personal appearance in any traffic, misdemeanor, or felony offense, and may instead appear via simultaneous transmission through audio-visual electronic equipment for the following: arraignment, any preliminary matter or pretrial conference that does not involve the taking of testimony, at entry of his/her plea of guilty, and at any revocation hearing for a probation violation, including any hearing for contempt.