Judge tells subpoenaed witnesses to remain available; jury selection set Sept. 30 with jurors needed Oct. 1 at 9 a.m.

The presiding judge told people summoned as witnesses that their subpoenas remain in effect through the jury trial and that failure to appear could lead to a warrant. The court said jury selection will occur Sept. 30 and that the court will need subpoenaed witnesses for an Oct. 1, 9 a.m., jury day.

The directive matters because the court treats subpoenas as court orders that last "until we've concluded with this jury trial," and witnesses who are released for interim periods must check in so the clerk can recall them. The judge told two witnesses who had joined by Zoom they were under subpoena and instructed them to check in with the court's liaison on Sept. 29 so the clerk can place them on recall lists.

At the start of the docket the judge reviewed courtroom rules aimed at preserving an accurate record and moving the day efficiently. The judge instructed people to stand when their name is called and warned, "When I call the docket, you need to stand and let me know you're here. Otherwise, I'm gonna assume you're not here and a warrant may be issued for your arrest." The judge also reminded attorneys not to speak behind the court reporter when the court is on the record and said parties should not approach the bench while the style of the case has been called.

The court noted operational changes tied to remote appearances and a paperless workflow. Attorneys and witnesses joining by Zoom were asked to enable video and unmute when called; the judge told subpoenaed Zoom witnesses they should expect a call from the liaison and to be prepared to appear in court as ordered. The court also advised that if a defendant or witness needs to speak in a language other than English an interpreter will be required whether or not counsel speaks the language.

Less-central logistical guidance included: check-in windows for recalled witnesses, not leaving the courtroom after requesting a custody transport because only a limited number of people can remain in the box for security reasons, and that the clerk will sign in counsel commercially for the paperless process.