ELIZABETH A. KOVACHEVICH, District Judge.
This cause is before the Court on:
Defendant Corey Deonta Harris requests entry of an Order allowing Bjorn Brunvand, Esq., J. D. Thomas, investigator, and Jennifer Vanover, law clerk/paralegal, to bring a personal wireless hotspot, laptop computers and cell phones into the Courthouse for use during the trial of this case, which is to commence on June 6, 2016 and is expected to continue through August 30, 2016. Although this Motion was designated an
After consideration, the Court grants the
Each individual shall present a copy of this Order upon entering the security station, and proper identification will be required. All electronic equipment remains subject to inspection by the U.S. Marshal, pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 53 (prohibiting courtroom photography and broadcasting in criminal cases) and Local Rule 4.11(a)(2)(prohibiting courtroom photography and broadcasting in all cases). A copy of General Order 6:13-MC 94-ORL-22 is attached to this Order. Accordingly, it is
This Order sets forth the Court's policy concerning the possession and use of personal electronic devices in the federal courthouses in the Middle District of Florida. Personal electronic devices are things like cellular telephones, "smart phones," laptop computers, and tablet computers.
No one may bring a personal electronic device beyond a courthouse's security checkpoint.
The following exceptions to the general policy apply. Any personal electronic device carried beyond a courthouse's security checkpoint based on an exception remains subject to inspection, to Fed. R. Crim. P. 53 (prohibiting courtroom photography and broadcasting in criminal cases), and to Local Rule 4.11(a)(2) (prohibiting courtroom photography and broadcasting in all cases). Further, any person who brings in a personal electronic device under an exception, (a) must keep the personal electronic device on silent mode, (b) may not share it with anyone, (c) may not use it in a manner that disrupts any judicial proceeding, (d) may not use it to search for information about a potential or seated juror, and (e) may not bring it into the courtroom for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse in Jacksonville.
Anyone may bring a personal electronic device beyond a courthouse's security checkpoint by presenting an order from a judge of the Court giving him or her permission to do so. The order must specify the person, place, purpose, and time frame.
Any agency employees who works in a courthouse office, a U.S. Trustee, any attorney of the United State's Attorney's Office or the Federal Defender's Office, or any law enforcement officer on official business may bring a personal electronic device beyond the courthouse's security checkpoint by presenting valid agency identification.
At the presiding judge's direction, any seated petit or grand juror may bring a personal electronic device beyond the courthouse's security checkpoint during his or her service. The juror (a) must store the device in a designated receptacle at all times except during breaks, (b) may use the device only in designated areas or in the jury assembly room; and (c) may use the device only for non-case matters. The judge must provide the United States Marshals Service and the lead Court Security Officer with a memorandum setting forth the list of jurors, the case name, the case number, the beginning date of service, and the expected end date of service.
Any attorney permitted to practice law in the Middle District of Florida may bring any personal electronic devices beyond the courthouse's security checkpoint by presenting a valid Florida Bar identification card or pro hac vice order. In addition to the restrictions set forth in paragraph 2, attorneys may not use personal electronic devices directly outside of any courtroom when court is in session.
Any presiding judge may modify these procedures or suspend any person's privileges granted by this Order at any time for any reason.
Done and ordered in chambers in Orlando, Florida, on September 26, 2013.