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ZOOM ETIQUETTE

8/17/2022

Zoom Court is a Privilege and not a right. You should be dressed appropriately just as you would if you were in the courthouse in person. Decorum is important to Judges and if you violate their court rules, they could revoke your Zoom privileges and order you to attend all court settings in person.

Laptop or Desktop Computer preferred but you may use your cellphone if that is the only option.
Download Zoom - If you haven't used Zoom before, please download the app (from App Store) prior to the day of the hearing and familiarize yourself with any features you may need to use on the day – mute/unmute microphone, stop/start video
Rename to FULL Legal Name – your full name should appear and not a nickname or phone name when logged in. There are … in the top corner that you can click on to rename your profile.
Turn Video On - most courts do not allow audio only or calling in over your phone.
Position your camera properly - If you choose to use a web camera, be sure it is in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Friends and Family are not permitted to be on video or in the same room with you unless they have been called to testify.
Keep yourself on MUTE your microphone when not talking
Be mindful of background noise - Find a quiet location. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as televisions, radios, shuffling papers, etc.
Try to avoid talking over / at the same time as other participants
Avoid multi-tasking - Be aware you are on camera and try to avoid doing other tasks. Do NOT drive, walk around, lay down, play video games, look down at your phone, cook, laundry, etc.
Dress appropriately - Do not wear spaghetti straps, strapless or see-through shirts, tank tops, “wife” beaters, articles of clothing with explicit language.
Do not get dressed or change clothing while on video.
No hats, du-rags, wave caps, shower caps, bonnets, etc.
No Smoking/Vaping
No eating or chewing gum
No cursing or offensive language
Always remember, you are in a Court of Law while on Zoom proceedings and most judges take it very seriously. They will call you out for any inappropriate behavior or appearances. Act/dress just as you would if you were in the courtroom, in person.

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Differences between pretrial diversion, deferred adjudication, and straight probation

8/15/2022

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Information provided as a courtesy of the Law Office of Valerie Hedlund, PLLC and is for informational purposes only

Information provided is an overview only and is not intended as a comprehensive source of eligibility, program requirements, terms, definitions, structure, policies, or procedures. Texas and county law controls and is subject to change without notice. Every case is unique and should be discussed with either Valerie Hedlund or your retained/appointed attorney for qualifications.

Failure to complete all terms of probation or sentence may result in revocation of probation and the court may impose the maximum punishment from the original case; however, you are entitled a hearing before they may revoke.

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OVERVIEW OF CRIMINAL PROCESS IN BEXAR COUNTY

ZOOM ETIQUETTE

Differences between pretrial diversion, deferred adjudication, and straight probation

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