E-Filing Case Related Questions

  • How do can I easily find an events category in CM/ECF?

    After logging into CM/ECF, click on the Search link on the blue menu bar.The Search screen will appear. Type in the event and click on ‘search’. If you are not sure the exact name of the event, type in a part of the name: i.e.: Summary Judgment, Declaration, Opposition. All the events which include that information will be displayed.

    The events in the search results will be a link directly to that event. So just click on the one you want and you can begin e-filing.

    You can also hover your mouse over each menu item on the blue menu bar and look at a drop-down and view each categories within each menu item and then the subcategories. Select the subcategory you need and start e-filing.

  • Can you please tell me what the deadline is for e-filing in California USDC? I first understood you could e-file up until 12:00 midnight , but I've also heard the deadline is closer to 6:00 pm or even 4:00 pm.

    Filing documents electronically does not alter any filing deadlines set by Court Order. Unless otherwise ordered by the assigned judge, all electronic transmissions of documents must be completed (i.e., received completely by the Clerk’s Office) prior to midnight Pacific Standard Time or Pacific Daylight Time, whichever is in effect at the time, in order to be considered timely filed on that day. Where a specific time of day deadline is set by court order or stipulation, the electronic filing shall be completed by that time. Check the judge’s initial scheduling order or e-filing order to see if that particular judge has an e-filing deadline or allows e-filing on holidays.

  • When I view a document the header that includes the filed date appears in the middle of the document making it difficult to view the document. Why does this happen?

    This is a view setting on your browser. Check with your IT department on how to adjust your view settings.

  • What should I do if I attached the wrong document to the entry?

    As soon as you notice the error - refile the correct document. Then file an Errata and link to the wrong document. No modifications to a docket entry can be made without court order.

  • Are there any non-civil case initiating documents other than those referenced in General Order 10-07 that should be traditionally filed?

    Yes. Abstract of judgment; registration of judgment; bond-related documents.

  • Why can't I see PDF documents that have been filed in criminal or social security cases through the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) e-mail?

    Access to the PDF document may be restricted in these case types for the following reasons:

    • Pursuant to the E-Government Act of 2002, only the attorneys of record in a Social Security case may view PDF documents - counsel of record must login to CM/ECF then into PACER in order to view the documents; these documents are available for public viewing from the public computer terminals in the Clerk’s Office attorneys.
    • The document may have been filed prior to the Court becoming a full e-filing court. Check to see if there’s a link (a line) under the document control number. If not, most likely, the case was not subject to electronic filing when the document was filed. Those documents are available at the courthouse Records Section in the traditional manner.
       
  • Can any attorney access or view documents in cases where they are not counsel of record?

    For Social Security cases, only the attorney of record and the Court have access to the documents e-filed after March of 2005, with the exception opinions appearing on the Written Opinions Report. These documents are available for public viewing in the Records Section of the Clerk’s Office.

    For criminal cases, judgments, orders and minute orders filed prior to August 1, 2005 are accessible only by attorneys of record. Judgments, orders, minute orders only are avaible to all PACER users up to January 1, 2007, when all criminal became subject to mandatory e-filing. All criminal document, except restricted or under seal are available to all public users.

    For Civil Cases, Judgments, orders and minute orders (unless under seal) have been available for all PACER users since 1994. On November 1, 2007, all patent, trademark and copyright cases were deemed subject to mandatory e-filing, all documents, except those restricted or under seal have been available to all PACER users. On January 1, 2008, all remaining civil cases were deemed subject to electronic filing. All documents, except those restricted or under seal are now available to all PACER users.

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