Judge A. James Craner
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Speedy Trial Demand, Notice Of Expiration
- Email • Immediately Upon Filing
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Hearing Materials
Court-wide- Before Hearing
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Materials
Court-wide- At Least 5 Court Days Before Scheduled Hearing
Adjournments
- A motion to continue must be made in writing, and forms are available when the continuance is requested at pretrial conference.
- A motion to continue must state the opposing party’s position and describe good cause with detail appropriate to the number of prior continuances.
- A motion to continue must state the opposing party’s position and describe the good cause for the requested continuance.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers, Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A proposed order accompanying a bond motion submitted for decision without a hearing must be in Word format.
If neither party is requesting a hearing on a bond motion, defense counsel shall send a proposed order in Word format with the motion to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements18 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
After receiving hearing confirmation from the Judicial Assistant, the movant must file a notice of hearing.
The movant must file a notice of hearing after the hearing confirmation is received from the Judicial Assistant.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A hearing request must state the case number and style, identify the motions and filing dates, attach a file-stamped motion, state the requested duration and opposing counsel's position if available, identify any virtual-attendance request, and provide the pretrial date.
The hearing request must include: Case number and style Title of the motion(s) to be heard and the date the motion was filed File-stamped copy of the motion attached Amount of time requested for the hearing Position of opposing counsel, if available, or confirmation that a conferral attempt was made without response Any request for virtual attendance Pretrial date
Document Type
Hearing Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
When a bond motion is requested to be resolved without a hearing in a case involving an alleged victim, the State must submit the alleged victim's position or confirm that the victim does not wish to be heard.
If defense counsel requests resolution of a bond motion without a hearing in a case with an alleged victim, the State must, in a written submission, (i) provide the alleged victim’s position on the request, or (ii) confirm that the alleged victim has indicated that he or she does not wish to be heard on the issue.
Document Type
Written Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Remote witness testimony requires a motion and an order complying with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.116(d).
Testimony by videoconference requires a motion and order in accordance with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.116(d).
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
When a defendant in federal custody must attend a proceeding, the Assistant State Attorney must submit a proposed writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum.
The Assistant State Attorney shall submit a proposed writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum when the presence of a defendant in federal custody is required for a proceeding.
Document Type
Writ Of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
When a defendant in another county's custody must attend a proceeding, the Assistant State Attorney must submit a proposed transport order.
The Assistant State Attorney shall submit a proposed transport order when the presence of a defendant in the custody of another county is required for a proceeding.
Document Type
Transport Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
When counsel believes in good faith that a motion or matter requires an expedited hearing, the hearing request to the Judicial Assistant must note that request.
If counsel believes in good faith that another motion or matter requires an expedited hearing, the request for an expedited hearing shall be noted in the hearing request to the Judicial Assistant.
Document Type
Hearing Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
A proposed order in Word format should accompany a motion to continue.
A proposed order in Word format should accompany the motion to continue.
Document Type
Motion To Continue
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
Defense counsel should bring proposed orders addressing requested expert appointments, unopposed competency or incompetency findings, and other anticipated relief at the competency status.
Defense counsel should bring a proposed order regarding the appointment of a requested expert, any unopposed finding of incompetency (including information regarding placement and/or conditional release terms), any unopposed finding of competency, and any other relief that is expected to be requested at the status.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
The Motion for Approval must identify the specific gross settlement amount.
1- The specific amount of the gross settlement in this proposed offer and Motion for Approval.
Document Type
Motion For Approval
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
The settlement approval materials generally must include the Guardian Ad Litem’s appointment and report concerning the proposed settlement.
3- The appointment of, and report from, a Guardian Ad Litem regarding the proposed settlement.
Document Type
Guardian Ad Litem Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
The court generally needs a detailed closing statement showing fees, recipients, costs, anticipated distributions, liens, outstanding balances, and compensated claims.
A copy of a detailed closing statement showing the attorney's fees and the recipients, costs expended or to be expended, anticipated distribution of funds and to whom, liens resolved and unresolved, outstanding balances owed, as required by The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and specifically Rule 4-1.5, and unresolved claims against the Estate, as well as any other claims being compensated from these proceeds.
Document Type
Closing Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important
The settlement approval materials must provide an itemized proposed distribution among beneficiaries, survivors, the estate, and other entities, including claims, costs, and attorney’s fees.
2- The itemized proposed distribution amongst the beneficiaries and/or survivors, the Estate, or other entities with claims and costs and attorney's fees.
Document Type
Motion For Approval
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note
A motion to transfer based on a related case should be emailed to the Administrative Judge with a proposed order in Word format.
Motions to transfer to another division based on a related case shall be submitted to the Administrative Judge for consideration via email to 19orange@ninthcircuit.org. A proposed order in Word format should accompany the motion to transfer.
Document Type
Motion To Transfer
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
For evidentiary proceedings, counsel may appear by videoconference only upon filing a motion and obtaining an order allowing the remote appearance.
Summary: Counsel may appear by videoconference at an evidentiary proceeding only after filing a motion and obtaining an order permitting the remote appearance.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If neither party is requesting a hearing on a bond motion, defense counsel shall send a proposed order in Word format with the motion to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org.
Summary: When neither party requests a bond hearing, defense counsel must send a proposed order in Word format with the motion by email to the Judicial Assistant.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If the State’s position is not promptly obtained after an initial good faith effort, defense counsel may request a hearing and note in the hearing request that the State’s position has not yet been obtained.
Summary: If defense counsel cannot promptly obtain the State's position after a good-faith effort, counsel may request a hearing and must note in the hearing request that the State's position remains unavailable.
Document Type
Hearing Request
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The Court will need to know how the funds will be invested or protected and in what institution(s) or through which vehicle(s). This would include the rating or stability of the institution(s) or fund(s).
Summary: The settlement approval materials generally must explain how the minor’s funds will be invested or protected, the institutions or vehicles used, and the institutions’ or funds’ rating or stability.
Document Type
Motion For Approval
Filing & Service rules
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Defense counsel must email a courtesy copy of a speedy-trial demand or notice of expiration immediately upon filing it to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org.
Defense counsel shall send a courtesy copy of a demand for speedy trial or notice of expiration of the time for speedy trial to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org immediately upon filing the notice or demand.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 7 | B. PRETRIAL CONFERENCES AND CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Counsel must make a good-faith effort to resolve or narrow disputes before a hearing, and the Court may impose sanctions or other relief for failure to confer.
The Court expects counsel to comply with their obligation to communicate in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow disputes before the hearing. If counsel needlessly consume hearing time or otherwise delay, frustrate, or obstruct the proceedings by failing to confer in good faith, the Court may cancel the hearing, summarily deny the motion, or impose appropriate sanctions on counsel.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 5 | 5. Pre-Motion Conferral
Counsel must review the Uniform Trial Order and any Case Management Order for applicable pre-motion or pre-hearing conferral requirements.
Counsel shall review Section IV(C) of the Uniform Trial Order as well as any Case Management Order for pre-motion or pre-hearing conferral requirements.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | 5. Pre-Motion Conferral
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion to continue must be made in writing, and forms are available when the continuance is requested at pretrial conference.
Motions to continue must be made in writing, and forms are available for completion if the continuance is being requested at pretrial conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 6 | B. Pretrial Conferences and Case Management Conferences, 2(e)
A motion to continue must state the opposing party’s position and describe good cause with detail appropriate to the number of prior continuances.
The motion must include the opposing party’s position and describe the good cause for the continuance in appropriate detail based on the number of prior continuances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 7 | B. PRETRIAL CONFERENCES AND CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
A motion to continue must state the opposing party’s position and describe the good cause for the requested continuance.
As with pretrial conference, the Court greatly appreciates and will promptly rule on motions to continue submitted before the scheduled status hearing. The motion must include the opposing party’s position and describe the good cause for the continuance. A proposed order in Word format should accompany the motion to continue.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 10 | D. VIOLATION OF PROBATION PROCEEDINGS
Chambers Communication Rules
All parties must always be copied on emails, correspondence, and other communications with the judge’s office.
YOU MUST ALWAYS COPY ALL PARTIES ON ANY AND ALL E-MAILS, CORRESPONDENCES AND/OR COMMUNICATION WITH THIS OFFICE.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Division 15 Guidelines and Procedures
The judge’s office prohibits ex parte communications from anyone.
PLEASE NOTE, THE JUDGE’S OFFICE CANNOT RECEIVE EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS FROM ANYONE.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Division 15 Guidelines and Procedures
A hearing not set in open court must be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant and copying all counsel.
Hearings that are not set in open court shall be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant at 15orange@ninthcircuit.org with all counsel1 copied on the email.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 3 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 1. Setting of Hearings
Counsel must email the Judicial Assistant at 15orange@ninthcircuit.org about interpreter requests as soon as the need for an interpreter becomes known.
Counsel shall notify the Judicial Assistant at 15orange@ninthcircuit.org of requests for interpreters for defendants or witnesses for trial, hearings, or other proceedings as soon as the need for an interpreter or interpreters becomes known.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 12 | F. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
Where legally permitted, videoconference appearances at non-evidentiary proceedings require no motion or order, but the Judicial Assistant must be notified by email in advance.
Videoconference appearance is permitted at non-evidentiary proceedings without the need for a formal motion or order to the extent allowed by law, provided that the attorney, party, or other participant notifies the Judicial Assistant by email to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org of the remote appearance in advance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 4 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 3. Videoconference Appearance
The dedicated videoconference link for a Jimmy Ryce proceeding may be obtained by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
The Ninth Circuit uses a dedicated link for remote appearances in Jimmy Ryce proceedings, which may be obtained by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 4 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 3. Videoconference Appearance
Opposing counsel or parties must be copied on every communication with the court.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COPY OPPOSING COUNSEL/ PARTIES ON ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 1. Setting of Hearings
If an expedited bond hearing is set without the State's position, the State must promptly provide its position to Chambers.
A hearing may be set without the State’s position, and the State shall then promptly provide its position on the request to set or reduce bond to Chambers.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 2. Bond Hearings
A party filing a motion for reconsideration or new trial must immediately email a copy of the file-stamped motion to the court.
Upon filing a motion for reconsideration or a new trial, the party filing the motion must immediately email a copy of the file-stamped motion to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | 7. Hearings on Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration or New Trial
When no dates have been set, the State must promptly email the court with defense counsel copied or file a motion requesting new dates.
In that situation, the State shall promptly email 15orange@ninthcircuit.org, with defense counsel copied, to raise the need for new dates or shall file a motion requesting new dates.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | B. Pretrial Conferences and Case Management Conferences, 1. Scheduling
An attorney with three or fewer cases may appear virtually at pretrial conference only after notifying the Judicial Assistant in advance with the case styles and numbers and obtaining the link.
Attorneys may appear virtually for pretrial conference provided that they have three or fewer cases set for pretrial conference. Counsel shall notify the Judicial Assistant of the virtual appearance in advance (providing the case styles and numbers) and shall obtain the link as noted in Section A(3) above.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | B. Pretrial Conferences and Case Management Conferences, 2(a)-(b)
An attorney with more than three cases must request and obtain permission by emailing the court, copying all opposing counsel and explaining the need for a virtual appearance.
If any attorney has more than three cases set for pretrial conference, he or she must request and obtain permission for the virtual appearance by sending an email to 15orange@ninthcircuit.org with all opposing counsel copied explaining the need for the virtual appearance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | B. Pretrial Conferences and Case Management Conferences, 2(b)
If the videoconference link has technical issues, participants may join by phone at 1-904-900-2303.
Join by phone ( may be used if there are technical issues with the link) 1-904-900-2303
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | A. HEARINGS AND MOTIONS — 3. Videoconference Appearance