Important: All Hearings, including those by teleconference or videoconference, may not be unofficially recorded, photographed, broadcast, or transmitted. This prohibition applies in all cases in this District.
Participating Telephonic Hearings*
Attorneys and parties-in-interest wishing to participate either video or telephonic hearings must dial-in using the following dial-in numbers and conference codes:
Judge Grabill, Section A:
Dial-in Number: 504-517-1385
Conference Code: 129611
Once connected to the teleconference, please observe the following:
- When you dial into a hearing, you are participating in a court proceeding and are bound by the normal rules of courtesy and attention.
- Mute you phone unless it is your turn to speak.
- Restate your name for the record each time that you speak.
- Find a quiet place to participate with minimal background noise.
- If using a mobile device, situate yourself in a location with a strong signal.
- A headset-microphone often provides better sound quality for listening and speaking.
- Do not place your phone on 'hold', as this may subject the court to hold music.
Participating in a GoTo Meeting Video Hearing
As of October 19, 2022, GoTo Meeting has replaced Zoom.
Please use https://gotomeet.me/JudgeGrabill for any video hearings. Note: GoTo Meeting will be automatically muted. You will be required to dial-in to the hearing using the teleconference information above.
GoTo Meeting Account and Software
- It is not neccessary to register for a GoTo account or to download the GoTo app. You can particiapte in the GoTo Meeting video conference through either a web browser or the app.
- If using the app, always keep it updated. On the menu bar, click "Help" --> "Check for Updates"
- Enter "JudgeGrabill" for the meeting name when using the app.
Learning
Consult the following sources for GoTo Meeting instructions:
- How to Join a Hearing/Meeting with Goto Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojl1q_sPrP0
- GoTo Meeting Help: https://support.goto.com/meeting
Recommendations
- Mute your phone, and mute all sounds from all other applications (email notifications, chat messaging, etc.).
- Avoid using a mobile device if possible. Although tablets (iPads) and smartphones can be used, they are very limited, and the performance is inferior.
- Avoid using battery power only (laptops, etc.). Plug into a good power source while in a Zoom meeting.
- Unless you’ve confirmed the quality is sufficient, avoid using an open microphone and speakers, such as those that are built-into laptops or a webcams. Using a good quality headset (headphones with mic) will often help ensure you can be heard, and can hear others with maximum quality.
- Avoid noisy and echoey locations. Use of a headset will improve audio quality when this is unavoidable.
- Avoid distracting real or virtual backgrounds.
- Avoid poor camera positioning. Try to frame yourself so you take up most the screen, at eye level.
- Avoid using WiFi if possible. Connection via a hard-wire Ethernet cable will always be faster and more reliable than WiFi. If you must use WiFi, make sure you’re in close range.
- Avoid running any unnecessary applications besides Zoom, to conserve your computer’s processing power and networking.
- For home networks, if possible, avoid sharing your internet service with others during the session.
Before Every Court Session using GoTo Meeting
- Connect your device to power.
- Make sure your internet connection is good:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2048594/how-to-test-your-home-internet-speed.html - Test your video.
- Turn off all audio disruptions (phones, messaging alerts, email alerts, etc.)