Local Rule LR1-117. Remote hearings.

A. Remote hearings authorized. Within the discretion of the court, persons may remotely appear for hearings through video conferencing when the court expressly designates a hearing as a remote hearing through the applicable notice of hearing. Absent express court approval by order, telephonic appearances are not otherwise permitted. All attorneys arguing or presenting evidence shall appear by video. All witnesses shall appear by video unless excused by the court before the hearing. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all witnesses, including parties who are testifying, shall be alone and physically separated from attorneys and other persons in a separate room. All witnesses, including parties who are testifying, shall not be coached during their testimony by any person using any means of communication including but not limited to electronic communication. Persons appearing remotely must have sufficient internet connectivity and speed to ensure that he or she is heard and seen when presenting to the court. If a remote hearing is disrupted by audio or video issues, the court may delay or reset the hearing or require the parties to appear before the court in person. If a litigant or attorney is unable to appear via video conferencing at a hearing designated as remote by the applicable notice of hearing, then the party shall inform the court and the opposing parties (or their attorneys) of the need for an in-person hearing. B. Recordings of remote hearings. The court, or its designated court personnel, are the only persons authorized to record the remote court hearing. All other persons must obtain permission from the court before recording, photographing, live streaming, or broadcasting remote court hearings. C. Conduct of remote hearings. All persons appearing before the court via remote means shall conduct themselves in the same dignified manner as if those persons appeared before the court in person in the courtroom. Persons appearing remotely shall follow all requirements set forth in LR1-106 NMRA and all other pertinent rules requiring court decorum. Unless necessary to announce timely verbal objections, persons shall place their microphone on mute when not presenting to the court to ensure that background noise does not disrupt court hearings. Persons shall maintain their video during the course of the hearing so that the court may verify that the persons are present throughout the hearing. D. Exhibits. If a party intends to introduce any exhibit during a remote court hearing, the party shall provide a copy of the exhibit to the opposing party (or the opposing party’s attorney) and two (2) physical copies to the court, delivered to the judge’s box at the clerk’s office, no later than forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the scheduled remote court hearing. E. Failure to comply. If a person fails to comply with this local rule, the court may impose sanctions on the person or the party he or she represents, including but not limited to monetary fines and denial of the motion or relief requested at the hearing.