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Phone / Video Hearings

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

  1. 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.
  2. If using the app, always keep it updated. On the menu bar, click "Help" --> "Check for Updates"
  3. Enter "JudgeGrabill" for the meeting name when using the app. 

Learning

 Consult the following sources for GoTo Meeting instructions:

  1. How to Join a Hearing/Meeting with Goto Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojl1q_sPrP0
  2. GoTo Meeting Help: https://support.goto.com/meeting

Recommendations

  1. Mute your phone, and mute all sounds from all other applications (email notifications, chat messaging, etc.).
  2. Avoid using a mobile device if possible. Although tablets (iPads) and smartphones can be used, they are very limited, and the performance is inferior.
  3. Avoid using battery power only (laptops, etc.). Plug into a good power source while in a Zoom meeting.
  4. 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.
  5. Avoid noisy and echoey locations. Use of a headset will improve audio quality when this is unavoidable.
  6. Avoid distracting real or virtual backgrounds. 
  7. Avoid poor camera positioning. Try to frame yourself so you take up most the screen, at eye level.
  8. 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.
  9. Avoid running any unnecessary applications besides Zoom, to conserve your computer’s processing power and networking.
  10. For home networks, if possible, avoid sharing your internet service with others during the session.

Before Every Court Session using GoTo Meeting

  1. Connect your device to power.
  2. Make sure your internet connection is good:
    https://www.pcworld.com/article/2048594/how-to-test-your-home-internet-speed.html
  3. Test your video.
  4. Turn off all audio disruptions (phones, messaging alerts, email alerts, etc.)