Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Todd W. Robinson's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery within 24 hours. Any document exceeding 20 pages (including attachments/exhibits) requires a file-stamped courtesy copy delivered to the Clerk’s Office within 24 hours of filing; filings with over 3 exhibits must have tabbed exhibits and a table of exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 2, section III. Motions B. Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Todd W. Robinson require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Motions in limine due 2 weeks before hearing, opposition due 1 week before hearing unless otherwise ordered.

View ruleSource: page 3, section VI.A. Motions in Limine

What page or word limits apply to omnibus brief before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Motions in limine and Daubert motions must be filed as single omnibus brief (max 25 pages).

View ruleSource: page 8, section VI. Final Pretrial Conference and Motions in Limine

What page or word limits apply to opposition brief before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Oppositions to motions in limine and Daubert motions must be filed as single omnibus brief (max 25 pages).

View ruleSource: page 8, section VI. Final Pretrial Conference and Motions in Limine

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's formatting rule includes file format docx. Proposed orders must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format simultaneously with the accompanying motion.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Communications with Chambers

What must be included with motion to seal filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Motions to seal must include a description of documents to seal, applicable legal standard and analysis, supporting affidavits/declarations, and the documents to be sealed.

View ruleSource: page 2, section IV. Under Seal Filing Procedures B.

What must be included with sentencing guideline recommendation filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Parties must follow Criminal Local Rule 32.1 and ensure Sentencing Guideline recommendations are supported by the record.

View ruleSource: page 3, section V.C. Sentencing Materials

How may parties contact Judge Todd W. Robinson's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Todd W. Robinson's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Letters (physical and ECF-filed) and emails to chambers are prohibited unless the Court specifically requests them; if requested, copies must be simultaneously provided to all counsel.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. Communications with Chambers A. Letters/Emails

How does Judge Todd W. Robinson handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Motions to seal require specific document description and declaration of compelling reasons.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 4. Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Requests should be made at least 2 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Todd W. Robinson. The request must include original date, reason for request, and proposed rescheduled date. Continuance requests must be made immediately via email to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk; stipulated continuances require a joint motion with required content filed at least 2 business days before the hearing, and out-of-custody defendants must file a next court date acknowledgment with the motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. Communications with Chambers C. Requests for Continuances

Does Judge Todd W. Robinson require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Todd W. Robinson requires bundling for covered papers. All stipulations must be filed as joint motions.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 2. Joint Motions

Is electronic filing required before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed orders on motions must be emailed to the Judge’s official e-filing email and copied to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk simultaneously with the accompanying motion, in Word format.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Communications with Chambers
Complete rules summary for Judge Todd W. Robinson

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format simultaneously with the accompanying motion.

Letters (physical and ECF-filed) and emails to chambers are prohibited unless the Court specifically requests them; if requested, copies must be simultaneously provided to all counsel.

For docketing, scheduling, or calendaring matters, contact Courtroom Deputy Jessica Ortiz via phone at 619-321-0777; court personnel cannot give legal advice or discuss case timing/merits.

Continuance requests must be made immediately via email to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk; stipulated continuances require a joint motion with required content filed at least 2 business days before the hearing, and out-of-custody defendants must file a next court date acknowledgment with the motion.

Proposed orders on motions must be emailed to the Judge’s official e-filing email and copied to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk simultaneously with the accompanying motion, in Word format.

Any document exceeding 20 pages (including attachments/exhibits) requires a file-stamped courtesy copy delivered to the Clerk’s Office within 24 hours of filing; filings with over 3 exhibits must have tabbed exhibits and a table of exhibits.

Counsel must email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk as soon as possible if a disposition is scheduled in a case calendared for motions or trial.

Motions to seal must include a description of documents to seal, applicable legal standard and analysis, supporting affidavits/declarations, and the documents to be sealed.

Motions to seal, proposed sealed documents, and proposed orders (in Word format) must be emailed to the Judge’s official e-filing email and copied to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk for review.

Counsel must email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to inquire before requesting waiver of Criminal History or Pre-Sentence Report preparation.

Parties must follow Criminal Local Rule 32.1 and ensure Sentencing Guideline recommendations are supported by the record.

Defense counsel must read, explain, and provide client with Standard Conditions of Supervised Release prior to sentencing in felony cases.

Motions in limine due 2 weeks before hearing, opposition due 1 week before hearing unless otherwise ordered.

Proposed preliminary and final jury instructions due 1 week before in limine motion hearing unless otherwise ordered.

Modified jury instructions must specify the modification and supporting authority.

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in Word format to the Judge’s efile email and cc the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

A binder of exhibits must be provided for the bench.

Proposed jury instructions must be emailed to the Judge’s official efile address and cc the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

Supplemental jury instructions must be filed and served immediately upon need.

Briefs on significant disputed legal issues must be served and filed 5 court days before trial.

Proposed voir dire questions may be served and filed on the day of motions in limine.

Proposed verdict forms must be submitted in Word format via email on the day of motions in limine.

Proposed verdict forms must be submitted via email on the day of motions in limine.

Proposed verdict forms must be submitted on the day set for motions in limine.

Government counsel must submit an exhibit list to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial, and all exhibits must be pre-marked that day.

Government counsel must deliver the exhibit list to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial.

Counsel should refer to exhibits by their exhibit number whenever possible.

Exhibits may be marked with stickers from the Clerk or electronically with case and exhibit numbers.

All stipulations must be filed as joint motions.

Electronic filing questions should be directed to Clerk’s Office, CM/ECF Helpline, or CASD CM/ECF Helpdesk after consulting Local Rules and ECF Manual.

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