How to prepare if your remote hearing is by Zoom
- Make sure you have a good internet connection.
- If you are new to Zoom, read the Zoom Quick Start Guide for help.
- Download the free Zoom app (a paid Zoom account is not necessary for a remote hearing) and either click on the link provided or enter the meeting ID and password you have been given by the court.
- Practice and test your equipment (at the location from which you plan to participate) at least a day before the hearing so you feel comfortable. Zoom offers free lessons through their online Zoom Help Center.
- When using Zoom, make sure your full name is displayed (and not your phone number) to help the court identify you.
- Charge your computer or mobile device. If you are calling in by phone, make sure you have enough minutes and data.
- A telephone (landline or cellular phone) may be used to participate in a Zoom remote hearing. The court will give you the call in information along with the meeting ID and password.
- Use earbuds or headphones with a built-in microphone, if you can. This frees up your hands and improves sound quality.
- Contact the court if you would like to present evidence, either through a witness or with documents or photos. At the hearing, the judge or clerk will decide if any witnesses will be allowed to testify.
Get your space ready
- Find a quiet place where no one will interrupt you.
- Have all your papers ready, including a list of what you want to say to the court.
- Know what time your hearing starts and how to log on or what number to call.
Video tips
- Pressing “Start Video” or the “Video” button will allow your video to display.
- Set the camera at your eye level. If you are using your phone, prop it up so you can look at it without holding it.
- Look at the camera, not the screen, when you speak.
- Sit in a well-lit room, not too dark, not too bright. No bright lights or windows behind you.
- Zoom has a Virtual Background feature that allows you to display an image as your background, but this may affect the quality of your video. Visit the Zoom Help Center to learn how to enable a Virtual Background. You may also blur your background.
Audio tips
- Follow the rules that the judge or clerk provides at the start of the hearing.
- Press the Unmute microphone/Audio button before talking.
- Pause before speaking in case there is any audio/video lag. Talk slowly and do not interrupt.
- Mute yourself when not speaking to improve sound quality and limit background noise.
What happens if I have technical difficulties?
- If the session ends or your connection freezes, you should immediately follow the steps to log back in (for example, click on the Zoom link or manually enter the Meeting ID and password).
- If you continue to experience connection problems and cannot log in to another different device, you can dial in to the remote hearing on a phone and participate without video.