Can I attend my hearing remotely?
You may be able to attend your San Diego Superior Court hearing by video or telephone, depending on the hearing type and the court’s instructions. Check your latest hearing notice, any court order and the appearance instructions for your assigned department before deciding how to attend. A posted virtual hearing link does not override an instruction requiring you to appear in person.
Check whether remote appearance is allowed
Start with the court’s official How to Appear for Your Hearing page and select your case or hearing category. Read the instructions for that category and your department, including any notice, request or approval requirements that apply to your hearing.
If the instructions do not clearly address your situation, use the court’s Contact Us directory to reach the office handling your case. Have your case number, hearing date and department available, and ask whether you may appear by video or telephone.
Find the correct hearing link
Once you have confirmed that you can appear remotely, return to the official hearing appearance page and select your hearing category. Match the department or courtroom shown on your notice with the listed virtual hearing link.
Follow the current instructions for Microsoft Teams, Zoom or any platform specified by the court. Check the official page again before your hearing for access changes or outage notices rather than relying on a previously saved meeting link.
If you need telephone access, use the conference number and meeting or conference ID listed for your assigned department, where available. Confirm that audio-only participation is permitted for your hearing.
Prepare to join the hearing
The court’s general instructions advise joining 30 minutes before the scheduled start so the courtroom clerk can check you in. Follow any additional timing or check-in instructions issued for your hearing.
- Install or update the required application and test your audio and connection beforehand.
- Keep your hearing notice, case number and relevant documents within reach.
- Choose a quiet location and charge your device.
- Use a headset if possible, and keep your microphone muted until addressed.
- Follow the clerk’s directions for camera use and sharing documents.
- If joining by telephone, do not place the court call on hold.
If you cannot connect or lose access
Recheck the official department page for an updated link or platform notice. If the department provides a telephone option that is permitted for your hearing, follow those access instructions.
If you still cannot join, promptly contact the assigned department or the office handling your case using the contact information on your notice or in the official court directory. Explain the problem and ask for instructions. Do not assume that a connection problem cancels or postpones the hearing.