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FAQs

  • What event do I use? I don't see a selection that matches my document.

    To search for an event, click Search on the blue menu bar.  When searching for an event, one word searches deliver more results and may help you locate the most appropriate event for your filing.

  • Personal Identity and Metadata Redaction Techniques for efiling.

    When you e-file a PDF document, you may be providing more information in that document than you can see via your PDF reader software.  Some redaction techniques used when e-filing are ineffective, in that the text intended to be hidden or deleted can be read via a variety of ways.  And, because information about the document, call metadata, is also stored inside the document, it is often viewable as well.  Examples of metadata and hidden data include the name and type of file, the name of the author, the location of the file on your file server, the full-sized version of a cropped picture, and prior revisions of the text.  E-filers must use extra care to make sure that the PDF documents to be submitted to CM/ECF are fully and completely free of any hidden data which may contain information intended to be redacted.  The protection of sensitive data can be compromised if improper redaction techniques are used.
     
    Here are a couple of examples of sensitive data visibility issues: Highlighting text in black or using a black box over the date in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat will not protect the data from being able to be seen.  Changing the text color to white so it disappears against the white screen/paper is similarly ineffective.  Previous revisions and deleted text may be able to be seen by manipulating an Adobe Acrobat file.  Fortunately, there are effective means of eliminating this metadata from electronic documents.  Probably the simplest method is to omit the information from the original document and save the redacted version with a new name.  For example, "REDACTED," then convert to PDF.  While the court does not endorse and specific method, and the responsibility for redacting personal identifiers rests solely with the parties, commercially-available software can be used to redact, not just hide, the sensitive information.  Redax (www.appligent.com) and RapidRedact (www.rapidredact.com) are two examples of commercial products used by some.  Adobe Acrobat 8.0 Professional and above as well as WordPerfect XIV both contain redaction tools.  Search the web for resources that may be useful to you.

  • If I set up an "Out of Office" rule in my e-mail account does that affect CM/ECF noticing?

    Yes.  If you set up an "Out of Office" message in your e-mail, please make sure that the e-mail address Clerk@lawd.uscourts.gov is set up as an exception to the automatic reply rule set up with your "Out of Office" e-mail notice.

  • How many documents can I attach to one entry?

    There is no defined limit, but depending on each document size and the amount of documents, the system could "time out."  The attorney will receive a blank screen near the end of completing the entry or an error message.  It is recommended to keep the number of attachments in the area of 30 - 40 (depending on size).  The attorney may need to make more than one entry as necessary to file all documents in the record.

  • How do I get electronic noticing on cases where I am not the attorney of record?

    You may specify cases you would like to receive noticing on by logging into CM/ECF, click on the Utilities link on the white menu bar and then click on Mantain Your E-mail.  Click on the desired address in the left pane.  Under the Case-specific Options, type the case number in the field and click Find This Case.  If more than one case is displayed, check the box next to the appropriate case and click Add Case(s).  The case should appear in the box below.  After you have entered all desired cases, click Submit all changes in the left pane.

  • How do I add other email addresses for electronic noticing?

    You may add or change email information by logging into CM/ECF, click on the Utilties link on the blue bar and then click on Maintain Your Email.

  • I am having trouble with pay.gov to pay for my e-filing.

    Pay.gov may be accessed from any computer capable of accessing the Internet using a web browser. Windows users may use Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Mozilla 1.4 and 1.75, or Firefox 1.5 or higher.  Mac OS X users may use Safari 1.2 or higher. Other operating systems or browsers may be used to access Pay.gov, but such use is untested and unsupported at this time.

  • I do not see the Civil and Criminal hyperlinks on the white menu bar.

    It is likely that your PACER account is not linked to your CM/ECF account, OR you may not have e-filing permissions in this district.  Click HERE for more information on NextGen CM/ECF.

  • When someone files a document with the court, does the system automatically serve the other parties or does the user have to do something extra to serve the others? And, what do the other parties actually receive?

    When a document is filed in CM/ECF, a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is automatically generated and e-mailed to ALL parties and/or attorneys who are registered with an e-mail address unless noticing for a particular party/attorney has been deactivated.  the NEF includes the text of the docket entry, the unique electronic document stamp, and a list of the case participants receiving or not receiving e-mail notification of the filing, and a hyperlink to the actual document filed.  Most recipients will receive one free look at the document.
    If the document is filed under seal or includes any manual attachments (sealed or otherwise), the filer is responsible for sending a copy to the other parties/attorneys in the case.  The court does not notice/serve sealed documents filed by the parties.

  • Why am I receiving the message "you do not have permission to view this document?"

    Electronic access to Social Security Administration appeal case documents and criminal cases filed prior to November 1, 2004 is limited to parties in the case.  If you are an attorney of record in a case of either type, your CM/ECF account must be linked to your INDIVIDUAL upgraded PACER account (and you must be logged in).  All others interested in these documents should contact the Clerk's Office for more information.  Documents in non-sealed criminal cases filed on or after November 1, 2004 are available electronically through PACER.

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