(a) Form and Content of Documents. All documents filed in a criminal case shall be on 8½" x
11" paper and shall include the following:
(1) Captions. All documents containing the caption of a case shall include the full
caption showing the names of all parties. Documents filed after a case is docketed
also shall include the name, case number and initial(s) of the Judge to whom the case
has been assigned.
(2) Titles. All documents shall bear a title that concisely states the precise nature of the
document and identifies the party filing it.
(3) Format; Page Numbering. Unless otherwise provided or ordered by the Court, all
documents shall be double-spaced and typed in at least 12-point font. Footnotes shall
be in at least 10-point font and may be single-spaced. Where a document is more
than one page in length, the pages shall be numbered at the bottom center of each
page.
(4) Signing of Documents. All documents filed on behalf of a party shall be signed by
counsel representing the party on whose behalf the document is filed, or in the case of
a defendant proceeding pro se, by the defendant himself or herself. The name,
address and telephone number of the individual signing the document shall be typed
or printed below the signature. Documents filed by attorneys shall also bear the
attorney’s bar number, and the name, address, fax number and e-mail address of the
attorney’s agency or law firm.
(b) Criminal Cover Sheet. When an information or indictment or any other document in a
criminal case that requires a file to be opened is filed, the government shall
contemporaneously file a completed criminal action cover sheet describing the type of case
and identifying any related case previously filed or pending in this Court. The Clerk may
reclassify a case if the cover sheet does not accurately describe its type.
Effective 1/5/09: §(a)(3) amended. Effective 3/17/08: §(a)(3) amended.
CROSS-REFERENCES
See LR Cv 5 (form and filing of documents in a civil case); LR Cr 47 (Motions and Other Papers).
U.S. DISTRICT COURT RULES -- RULES APPLICABLE TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
