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Case Processing FAQs

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General ECF Questions
Civil Case Processing
Criminal Case Processing

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General ECF Questions

 

Is there a size limit for PDF documents filed on CM/ECF?

  • The size limit for a PDF filed on CM/ECF is 50.0 MB per file. A document over 50.0 MB must be divided into separate files.

 

How can I get a copy of the list of events in CM/ECF?

  • The events list is no longer available. Please utilize the CM/ECF "Search" function, which is automatically updated in real time when a new event is added or an existing event is terminated, to identify the most appropriate event. Limit your search to one word such as disclosure or response, otherwise CM/ECF will not return any search results.

 

How do I file a Sealed Document?

  • If any party intends to file a document under seal, the document should be submitted only in PDF format to ECF_Documents@paed.uscourts.gov. Both the document and the email should be clearly marked with the notation “Filed Under Seal”. Please Note: All criminal sealed filings require a proposed sealing order or motion.

 

Civil Case Processing

 

What do I do if I filed the wrong document?

  • If a document is filed in error you may re-file the corrected document as soon as possible. You can make a courtesy phone call to Quality Control, https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/case-processing-questions, or send an e-mail to the Case Administration department: paed_clerksoffice@paed.uscourts.gov. The department will make a notation in the entry of the incorrect filling and direct viewers to the corrected filing.
    If the document you filed in error should be removed from CM/ECF or replaced, the filing party needs to speak to chambers to obtain their approval for the removal or replacement. Please contact chambers in this instance, and when you receive approval for removal or replacement you should then contact the Quality Control clerk assigned to your case. You may send them an e-mail detailing the situation and confirming that chambers is okay with removal/replacement. Please include the replacement .pdf if you are replacing instead of removing. The Quality Control clerk will complete the change.

 

I was bounced out of CM/ECF before paying for my complaint or notice of removal. What do I do?

  • Since you have already opened a case by this point, log back into CM/ECF and go to Complaints and Other Initiating Documents. Choose Complaint (Attorney) or Notice of Removal (Attorney), enter the case number you were given and proceed from there.

 

What if I forgot to attach state court pleadings to my notice of removal when I docketed the lead event?

  • You should immediately file the state court pleadings using the Notice (Other) event.

 

How can I get a copy of the list of events in CM/ECF?

  • The events list is no longer available. Please utilize the CM/ECF "Search" function, which is automatically updated in real time when a new event is added or an existing event is terminated, to identify the most appropriate event. Limit your search to one word such as disclosure or response, otherwise CM/ECF will not return any search results.

 

Is there a fee to file an Amended Complaint or an Amended Notice of Removal?

  • There are no fees to amend.

 

How do I know if my electronic filing was successful?

  • The last screen you see when you electronically file a document is a copy of the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF). If you see the NEF, you know that your filing was successful. Another way to verify your filing is to view a copy of the case docket. However, if you do this, PACER fees may be incurred.

 

Why can’t I view the .pdf for a Minute Entry?

  • Minute Entries are restricted events. It’s an internal document only viewable by the court.

 

How do I view other restricted documents?

  • Most other restricted documents are viewable by case participants only. When you receive a Notice of Electronic Filing for a restricted document you should first log into PACER in your browser, then click on the document number hyperlink in the Notice of Electronic Filing. PACER and CM/ECF will sync and verify you are authorized to view the document, then you will be given regular access to view the .pdf.

 

When I opened a civil case I added a party in error. How do I remove the party from the docket?

  • Clerk’s Office staff will review the complaint to verify party information and will remove any parties added in error and fix any parties needing correction. If you need a correction made in order to complete your filing please contact our Intake Clerk at paed_intakeclerk@paed.uscourts.gov.

 

How do I file an audio file, spreadsheet, or other electronic media that isn’t a .pdf?

  • Since only .pdfs documents can be filed on CM/ECF, any other media that needs to be filed should be mailed to the Clerk’s Office with a letter. The Clerk’s Office will file the letter and send the electronic media to chambers. The electronic media should not be mailed directly to chambers. Send to:
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
    James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
    601 Market Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

What do I do if I have a question about Bill of Costs?

  • Most Bill of Costs are reviewed within 90 days unless the case is on appeal, in which case it won’t be decided until the appeal is adjudicated. For questions about Bill of Costs please contact the Fiscal department.

 

How do I file an ex parte motion?

  • In the Motions category on CM/ECF you should add 1 – Exparte Docket Entry AND Document together with the desired motion type in the "Selected Events" box. Filing the document as ex parte will restrict all parties other than the filer from receiving electronic notice of the filing and from viewing the .pdf.

 

How do I file a Sealed Document in a Civil case?

  • If any party intends to file a document under seal, the document should be submitted only in PDF format to ECF_Documents@paed.uscourts.gov. Both the document and the email should be clearly marked with the notation “Filed Under Seal”.

 

How do I get a summons issued?

  • The Clerk’s Office will prepare and issue summons. An electronic version of the document will be emailed to counsel or a pro se litigant. To obtain a second summons if the first attempt at service was unsuccessful, file a Praecipe to Issue Alias Summons, naming the defendants.

 

Criminal Case Processing

 

How do I file a sealed document in Criminal?

  • Sealed documents cannot be filed electronically and must be submitted to the Clerk’s office for filing. Every sealed submission must be accompanied by a Motion to Seal with a proposed order attached for the Court’s consideration. All documents will be filed on the date it is received.

 

How do I obtain a copy of a sealed document?

  • Access to sealed documents must be formally requested of the Court. Should you require a copy of a sealed document, you must file a formal motion accompanied with a proposed order for the Court’s consideration. The Clerk’s office is not at liberty to disclose confidential material without the explicit consent of the Judge. If the request is granted and further action is required of the Clerk’s office for paperwork, the signed order by the judge must be forwarded to the office at the time of the copy inquiry.

 

How do I get copies of unsealed documents?

  • If the documents you are requesting are not sealed, you may contact Correspondence within the Clerk’s office for copies for a fee. Alternatively, PACER users may access and obtain available documents electronically for a fee.

 

Can I open a criminal case?

  • No; only the United States Attorneys’ Office can file a Criminal charging document. Should you have any questions or concerns that would warrant the involvement of the Department of Justice, please reach out to the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania at 215-861-8200. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa

 

How do I file a pro se document?

  • Pro se and incarcerated defendants may submit filings in hard copy to be sent directly to the Clerk’s office for processing. Alternatively, parties may access the Electronic Document Submission (EDS) system to submit their paperwork electronically to the Clerk’s office. Incarcerated individuals cannot utilize the EDS system and must submit their paperwork in hard copy to the Clerk’s Office. More information can be found on the Pro Se/Self Representation page: https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/pro-se https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/pro-se/pro-se-eds

 

How can I pay for my criminal fine/restitution/special assessment?

  • Your criminal fine, restitution or special assessment, may be paid in several ways. You may come directly to the Clerk’s Office and pay at the front counter. You may visit pay.gov via our website and pay your monetary balances electronically. Lastly, a check made out to “Clerk EDPA” may be mailed to the Clerk’s Office. Cash mailed to the Clerk’s office will not be accepted and will be returned.

 

Can I get a copy of an arrest warrant?

  • Copies of arrest warrants may only be obtained after they’ve been returned executed by the United States Marshals Service. The arrest warrant returns are uploaded on the docket and may be accessed via PACER and retrieved for a fee.

 

Can I file a document in hard copy?

 

How should I proceed if I find an error in a recent filing?

  • If you find an error on a filing you have submitted, please reach out to the appropriate Judge’s Chambers to determine the best course of action. Documents that Chambers approves for replacement should be emailed to the Deputy. The Clerk’s Office will make necessary changes to the docket at the direction of Chambers.

 

How can I request to be terminated from my case?

  • Counsel on criminal cases may only be terminated with a court order. Should you require withdrawal, you must file a Motion to Withdraw via ECF.

 

I am logged into ECF but I do not see the Criminal or Civil tab to file; what can I do?

  • You are likely logged into PACER. Please log out the webpage, exit out of your browser, clear your cache and cookies and log back into ECF Live using your ECF log in credentials.

 

Where can I find information about joining the CJA Panel?

 

What is the status of my motion/case?

 

Where can I find information about the court schedule? Are hearings open to the public?

  • The Court schedule changes day to day and is updated several times a day to ensure accurate times and reporting. Available hearings open to the public will appear on the Court Proceedings Schedule which can be found here: https://ecf.paed.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/CourtSched.pl

 

ECF will not allow me to upload my document; what should I do?

  • Please log out of ECF, clear your cache and restart your browser. Check your PDF and confirm that there were no errors during the saving process. Ensure document is under 50 megabytes and make sure there are no weblinks embedded in body of text. Printing to PDF to save the document will also remove the hyperlinks proper to save. Finally, confirm you are on a Firefox or Edge are preferred browsers; Chrome or Safari may lead to unwanted glitches.

 

How many copies of my document do I need to submit to the Court?

  • It is strongly encouraged to access the appropriate Judge’s Policies and Procedures which are found within each Judge’s information page on our website. You may verify if the assigned Judge requires additional courtesy copies. https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/judges

 

How can I obtain a copy of a transcript?

  • Please fill out the Transcript Purchase Order form and email the completed form to PAEDml_TranscriptRequest@paed.uscourts.gov. Sealed transcripts may only be released if a signed Court Order approving the release to the appropriate party is presented at the time of ordering.

 

What is today’s Magistrate Judge information?

  • Magistrate Court begins at 1:30 pm. The Duty Judge is not assigned to your case. Please reach out to the Magistrate Judge’s office on duty or the US Attorneys’ Office for information if your case is not listed on the calendar. The Magistrate Judge on duty is listed at the top of the Court schedule for both the current week and next week. The schedule can be found on Court proceedings calendar listed on our website. https://ecf.paed.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/CourtSched.pl

 

What are my speedy trial rights?

  • All defendants charged in a criminal indictment are entitled to Speedy Trial rights. Legal questions must be addressed with the lawyer representing you. General inquiries on the Speedy Trial process within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania may be found in the Local Criminal Rules. https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/rules-orders/local-criminal-rules

 

How can I obtain a lawyer through the Court?