Case 1:00-mc-00308 Document 128 Filed 03/03/21 Page 1 of 2
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
IN RE: *
VIDEO TELECONFERENCING *
REAUTHORIZATION FOR * MISC. NO. 00-308
CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS UNDER *
CARES ACT *
*
*****
STANDING ORDER 2021-05
On March 29, 2020, this Court entered Standing Order 2020-06 authorizing the use of
video and telephone conferencing, under certain circumstances and with the consent of the
defendant, for various criminal case events during the course of the COVID-19 emergency
pursuant to the CARES Act. On June 23, 2020, I reviewed this authorization and determined to
extend it for an additional 90 days, and I did so again on September 16, 2020 and December 8,
2020. As Chief Judge, and pursuant to Section 15002(b)(3)(A) of the legislation, I have again
reviewed this authorization and have determined to extend it for an additional 90 days.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 15002(b)(1) of the legislation, I hereby authorize the use
of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available,
for all events listed in Section 15002(b) of the legislation, with the consent of the defendant after
consultation with counsel.
Pursuant to Section 15002(b)(2), I further specifically find that most felony pleas under
Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and most felony sentencings under Rule 32 of
the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure still cannot be conducted in person in this district without
seriously jeopardizing public health and safety, as well as the health and safety of certain judges
and court participants at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19. As a result, if a judge
in an individual case finds, for specific reasons, that a felony plea or sentencing in that case cannot
Case 1:00-mc-00308 Document 128 Filed 03/03/21 Page 2 of 2
be further delayed without serious harm to the interests of justice, the judge may, with the consent
of the defendant after consultation with counsel, use video conferencing, or teleconferencing if
video conferencing is not reasonably available, for the felony plea or sentencing in that case.
Judges may also use this authority for equivalent events in juvenile cases as described in Section
15002(b)(2)(B).
Pursuant to Section 15002(b)(3) of the legislation, this authorization will remain in effect
for 90 days unless terminated earlier. If emergency conditions continue to exist 90 days from the
entry of this order, I will review this authorization and determine whether to extend it.
Date: March 3, 2021 /s/ JAMES K. BREDAR
James K. Bredar, Chief Judge
United States District Court
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