Can you contact a judge directly?

If you are currently in a case, you are not permitted to contact a judge outside of the courtroom. Instead of contacting the judge directly, you can file a written motion. If you are on the jury, you can only contact a judge in written form unless a lawyer is present.

Is it OK to contact a judge in a court case?

Before you contact a judge, ensure you are not in a current court case. “Ex parte” communication happens when someone involved with the case communicates directly with the judge. Ex parte communication is not allowed and could negatively affect your case.

Can you ever communicate directly with the court?

Can I ever communicate directly with the court? Yes. Certain ex parte communications to a judge or court personnel are allowed by law. For example, if you are contesting a citation (commonly called a “ticket”) for a traffic infraction, the law allows you to submit a written explanation directly to the court.

Can you send a letter to a judge?

No. Sometimes people will send a letter or document to the judge and ask the judge not to tell the other party. Although you may have information that you want the judge to know about and keep in confidence, the judge is still required to disclose any ex parte communications to all parties. Can I ever communicate directly with the court? Yes.

When to talk or write to the judge?

An ex parte communication occurs when a party to a case, or someone involved with a party, talks or writes to or otherwise communicates directly with the judge about the issues in the case without the other parties’ knowledge.

Can I personally write the judge a letter in my case?

It’s not appropriate to correspond directly with the judge without providing the other side the communication as well. A letter is also not the appropriate method to have the judge consider information in your case. There isn’t much information in your inquiry. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. You can’t write to the judge.