Whether a proceeding is in the courtroom or by Zoom is determined on a case-by -case basis by each judge or magistrate.

For persons without the technology to appear via Zoom, the courthouse has a Zoom room available with a bailiff who will operate the system for the user. Also, the Cuyahoga County Library has zoom rooms available if the user can operate the equipment themselves. Reservations must be made, in advance, but they are usually available during court hours so that reservations can be made the same day. The Maple Heights branch is especially designed for the Court with 4 Zoom rooms available.

All remote hearings are conducted with Zoom.us.

SMART PHONE OR COMPUTER (preferred method)

Prior to the day of your hearing

1. Download the Zoom App (https://zoom.us/signup) on your computer or smart phone.
2. Use your full first and last name when creating the account so that it will appear for the judicial officer when you connect. Your hearing will be delayed if we do not know who you are.
3. Test your microphone and camera through the app. Become familiar with the “mute” and other settings before the hearing.
4. Notify the Court of your current home address; email address, telephone number and text number at least 7 days before your hearing date. You must either email this information to the Clerk of Court at email@ghmc.org; call the Clerk’s Office at 216-475-1900, or put in in the court drop box at 5555 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm weekdays.
5. The Court will email or text you the Zoom meeting ID number and password you will need for your hearing date and specific judge.

On the day of your hearing

1. It is advisable to login at least 15 minutes before your hearing.
2. On the day of the hearing, open the Zoom application and select the “Join” button, which will then prompt you to enter the meeting ID and password.
3. While connected, minimize the noise around you. Keep your sound muted until you need to speak.

   

4. Turn on your video as the Court would like to see you during the Court proceeding. Connecting with a camera on your computer or telephone is the PREFERRED METHOD.
5. Dress appropriately for this hearing, just as if you were appearing in person before the Court.
6. Once logged in, you will be automatically placed in a waiting room until the judicial officer is ready for your case. The Court will hear your case when all the people scheduled for your case have connected.
7. For an additional video tutorial on Joining a Zoom Meeting go to the Zoom Help Center link: https://support.zoom.us?hc?en-us?articles/201363193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-
8. If you have difficulty connecting, you may use the alternative method below.

TELEPHONE WITHOUT A CAMERA (alternate method)

1. Connecting with Zoom with a video-capable device is the preferred method of the Court. However, if you are not able to connect to Zoom using a computer or smart phone, the Court will permit you to call in to all hearings, except trials, using any telephone you have available.
2. Notify the Court of your current home address; email address, telephone number and text number at least 7 days before your hearing date. You must either email this information to the Clerk of Court at email@ghmc.org; call the Clerk’s Office at 216-475-1900, or put in in the court drop box at 5555 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm weekdays.
3. The hearing notice has the Zoom meeting ID number and password you will need for your hearing date and specific judge.
4. On the day of the hearing, you will need to call the number sent to you and dial in the meeting ID and password. It is advisable to login at least 15 minutes before your hearing.
5. You will be automatically placed in a waiting room until the judicial officer is ready for your case. The Court will hear your case when all the people scheduled for your case have connected.
6. While connected, minimize the noise around you. Keep your sound muted until you need to speak. Become familiar with the “mute” setting before the hearing.
7. If you have difficulty connecting, you may also call the Clerk’s Office at 216-475-1900 for assistance.

IF YOU CANNOT CONNECT WITH A COMPUTER OR PHONE

If you have no ability to connect to Zoom with your own computer or a telephone, you have two choices.

1. County Library Zoom Room - You may reserve a Zoom Room at the Cuyahoga County Library Branch near you by making a reservation on line at Zoom Rooms - Cuyahoga County Public Library (cuyahogalibrary.org) The library has all the equipment you will need and internet connection for free. The Maple Heights Branch has 4 Zoom Rooms available for the Court’s use.
2. GHMC Courthouse Zoom Room - You may choose to appear at the Court House at 5555 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio in person on the date of the hearing. Please arrive ½ hour before your hearing time. You will be subject to Court COVID 19 screening procedures and security protocols. You will be directed to a Zoom Room in the Courthouse and a bailiff will operate the computer for you.