Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

Courtesy copies are required for plea agreements. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. Government must send text-searchable digital copy of plea agreement to chambers email.

View ruleSource: page 12, section Digital Courtesy Copy

Does Judge Cynthia Valenzuela require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Pre-filing conference required for motions under Local Rule 7-3, must be in person/phone/video, not written.

What page or word limits apply to motions in limine before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's rule states these limits: 2800 words; 10 pages; 10 pages. Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 2,800 words or 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Motions in Limine

What page or word limits apply to joint statement of case before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's rule states these limits: 1 pages. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Joint Statement of Case (max 1 page) required 14 days before FPTC.

View ruleSource: page 13, section Joint Statement of the Case

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's formatting rule includes cite authority, full text, separate page, numbered, single subject, and no repetition. Specific formatting requirements for each jury instruction.

View ruleSource: page 11, section Jury Instructions (Jury Trial Only)

What must be included with notice of motion filings before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Motion notice must include LR 7-3 compliance statement and declaration of conference details if hearing needed.

What must be included with proposed final pretrial conference order filings before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed Final Pretrial Conference Order must be filed 14 days before FPTC.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Final Pretrial Conference/Proposed Final Pretrial Conference Order

How may parties contact Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Counsel must not approach clerk, jury box, or witness stand without authorization.

View ruleSource: page 18, section Trial Requirements

How does Judge Cynthia Valenzuela handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Cynthia Valenzuela's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Sealed documents must be identified by first-listed defendant and case number only on outer envelope.

View ruleSource: page 5, section II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela?

Requests should be made at least 10 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Cynthia Valenzuela. The request must include foundation stipulations, waiver of best evidence rule, and exhibits that may be received into evidence at start of trial. Meet and confer required 10 days before trial for exhibit stipulations

View ruleSource: page 16, section Trial Exhibits

Does Judge Cynthia Valenzuela require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Cynthia Valenzuela requires bundling for covered papers. Three-ring binders required for trial exhibits with 3 sets (1 original for jury, 2 copies for court)

View ruleSource: page 15, section Trial Exhibits
Complete rules summary for Judge Cynthia Valenzuela

Refer to Court's Standing Order for requirements on motions, discovery, filings, courtesy copies, and other matters.

Pre-filing conference required for motions under Local Rule 7-3, must be in person/phone/video, not written.

Motion notice must include LR 7-3 compliance statement and declaration of conference details if hearing needed.

Exemptions from LR 7-3 pre-filing conference: pro se cases, LR 16-12 exempt cases, discovery motions, TRO/injunction motions, cost retax motions.

Proposed Final Pretrial Conference Order must be filed 14 days before FPTC.

Proposed FPTCO must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format.

Lead trial counsel must meet and confer in person 40 days before FPTC.

Pretrial documents must be filed 28 days before FPTC.

Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before FPTC, oppositions 14 days before, no replies allowed.

Each side limited to 5 motions in limine unless court grants leave.

Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 2,800 words or 10 pages.

Multiple trial documents must be emailed to chambers in Word format on due date.

Amended witness lists must be filed by 5:00 PM Friday before trial.

Amended joint exhibit lists must be filed by 5:00 PM Friday before trial.

Joint jury instructions must be filed 14 days before FPTC.

Parties must agree on majority of jury instructions before filing.

Structured timeline for jury instruction meet-and-confer process.

Parties must file both clean and redline versions of jury instructions.

Specific sources for jury instructions with limited exceptions.

Specific formatting requirements for each jury instruction.

Instructions must be modified to fit case facts without altering standard language.

Joint index required for all proposed jury instructions.

Joint verdict form required 14 days before FPTC; competing forms with redlines if no agreement.

Objections must be noted in margins with grounds and responses.

Joint Statement of Case (max 1 page) required 14 days before FPTC.

Case-specific voir dire questions due 14 days before FPTC.

3 peremptory challenges per side; challenges for cause at sidebar; peremptory challenges at counsel table.

Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law due 28 days before FPTC.

Supplemental Proposed Findings allowed during trial; Revised Proposed Findings may be ordered after trial with record citations.

Direct testimony declarations due 28 days before FPTC when ordered by Court.

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