Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Guillermo Cabrera's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Guillermo Cabrera. Courtesy copies are not required unless requested by the Court.

View ruleSource: page 4, section J. Chambers Copies and Proposed Orders

Does Judge Guillermo Cabrera 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. Meet and confer required before bringing matters to court, in person or videoconference

What must be included with plea document filings before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

The rule requires judge name and case number. Plea documents must be lodged by noon day before hearing

What must be included with letter filings before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Emails to chambers requesting discovery dispute conferences must include 3 agreed dates, neutral dispute statement, and one sentence per party position.

View ruleSource: page 2, section C. Other Discovery Disputes

How may parties contact Judge Guillermo Cabrera's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Guillermo Cabrera's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Letters to chambers are prohibited except as specified

How does Judge Guillermo Cabrera handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Guillermo Cabrera. Motions to seal must include a specific showing that the material is legally protectable.

View ruleSource: page 3, section G. Motions to Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

Judge Guillermo Cabrera's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, original date, and adversary position. Requests within 24 hours require a phone call. Deposition disputes require immediate meet and confer, then call chambers if unresolved

Does Judge Guillermo Cabrera require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Guillermo Cabrera requires bundling for covered papers. Motions to extend, amend, continue, or vacate deadlines must be filed as a single motion regardless of party agreement.

View ruleSource: page 3, section General Rules

Is electronic filing required before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Parties must email a Word copy of the proposed protective order to efile_cabrera@casd.uscourts.gov.

View ruleSource: page 3, section F. Protective Orders

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

The rule uses a noon cutoff and treats filing as not specified. Plea-related documents must be lodged by noon the day before change of plea hearing, or the hearing is rescheduled.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Criminal Rules

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Guillermo Cabrera?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Motions to seal must be served on the document custodian if they have not appeared in the case.

View ruleSource: page 3, section G. Motions to Seal

Does Judge Guillermo Cabrera encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Guillermo Cabrera's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (under 5 years experience) may increase likelihood of oral argument; they should contact Chambers to argue motions.

View ruleSource: page 4, section K. Lawyer Development
Complete rules summary for Judge Guillermo Cabrera

Chambers communication limited to administrative matters and discovery disputes

Letters to chambers are prohibited except as specified

Plea documents must be lodged by noon day before hearing

Meet and confer required before bringing matters to court, in person or videoconference

Deposition disputes require immediate meet and confer, then call chambers if unresolved

Discovery dispute email must include 3 proposed dates, neutral statement, and one-sentence positions

Discovery motion filing prohibited until pre-motion conference unless leave granted

Discovery disputes must be initiated within 30 days of triggering event

Deadlines cannot be extended by stipulation; requires leave of court with good cause

Contact courtroom deputy Erica Fry via email for questions about criminal matters.

Contact Noemy Martinez via email for transcript requests.

Contact chambers via email for civil matter questions (excluding transcript requests).

Emails to chambers are only permitted for scheduling/calendaring or discovery disputes; court personnel cannot give legal advice or discuss case merits.

ECF letters to chambers are prohibited except as allowed by these Rules, Local Rules, or court request.

Plea-related documents must be lodged by noon the day before change of plea hearing, or the hearing is rescheduled.

Lead counsel must promptly meet and confer in person or videoconference before bringing any matter to court; written-only meet and confer is prohibited.

Only necessary exhibits (excluding meet-and-confer correspondence) should be attached to court-ordered discovery motion briefing.

Deposition disputes require immediate meet and confer; unresolved disputes may be brought to chambers for ruling, with follow-up required if judge is unavailable.

Parties may call chambers via phone for immediate ruling on unresolved deposition disputes post-meet and confer.

Movants must email chambers to request discovery dispute conference, including required content and copying all counsel.

Emails to chambers requesting discovery dispute conferences must include 3 agreed dates, neutral dispute statement, and one sentence per party position.

Discovery motions may not be filed until pre-motion conference is held, unless leave of court is obtained.

Discovery dispute procedures must be initiated within 30 days of the triggering event (deposition date or written discovery response date).

Extensions of discovery dispute deadlines require leave of court and good cause; unilateral extensions by stipulation or amended responses are prohibited.

Requests to modify deadlines must be made via a single motion signed by all counsel (except pro se), stating good cause and opposition basis; same-day motions are denied unless unavoidable.

Motions to extend, amend, continue, or vacate deadlines must be filed as a single motion regardless of party agreement.

Stipulated protective orders must be filed as a joint motion.

Parties must email a Word copy of the proposed protective order to efile_cabrera@casd.uscourts.gov.

Protective orders differing from the model must include an explanation of changes and a redlined copy highlighting changes.

Motions to seal must include a specific showing that the material is legally protectable.

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