Plea Conferences, Calendar Calls & Evidentiary Hearings: In Person — Division U/BUI
Summary
Judge Collins requires in-person appearance for plea conferences, calendar calls, and evidentiary hearings absent prior approval — and everyone, including the defendant, present the first morning of the trial period.
Applies to
Florida > Fifteenth Judicial Circuit > Palm Beach County > Criminal Division U / BUI (Judge Sherri L. Collins)
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"Plea Conferences, Calendar Calls, and Evidentiary Hearings must be in person absent prior approval from the Court" / "All parties including the Defendant must be present in person on the first morning of the designated trial period"
- Official source
- 15th Cir. — Division U Instructions (Judge Collins)
- Source health
- Healthy · checked July 7, 2026
- Effective date
- —
- Last verified
- July 5, 2026Live fetch of official division page — 2026-07-05
Reviewer note: Verified against the live official page on 2026-07-05. 30-day recheck scheduled.
Change history
- July 7, 2026Monitor: content changed at 15th Cir. — Division U Instructions (Judge Collins). Review before republishing dependent rules.
Related rules
Hearings ≤30 Minutes Default to Zoom; Telephonic Allowed Absent Objection — Division CV-A
Most hearings set for 30 minutes or less are conducted by Zoom in CV-A; the setting order/notice prevails. Telephonic appearance is allowed if opposing counsel doesn't object — request it when scheduling.
Hybrid Zoom by Party Agreement; Notice Must Name Hearing Room 701 — Division CV-B
In CV-B the parties agree whether attendance is Zoom or in person; hybrid is permitted, and the Notice of Hearing must state Hearing Room 701 with the division's published Zoom ID (275-150-7351).
Zoom Is a Privilege; Remote TESTIMONY Requires Written Motion and Leave — Division CV-C
In CV-C, appearing by Zoom is a privilege (log in five minutes early; Court hosts); presenting testimony remotely — any hearing or non-jury trial, any length — requires a written motion showing good cause under Rule 2.530(b)(2).
Trials & Special Sets Over 15 Minutes Are In Person — Division AF
Judge Bell holds all trials and special-set hearings over 15 minutes in person; Zoom appearances must be on camera — no phone.