The amendment to Local Rule 13.05, Pleadings and Documents Filed Under Seal, will take effect on February 1, 2017. This amendment establishes a process for creating a sealed record in all criminal cases so that a defendant's cooperation or lack of cooperation with the government in any given case cannot be determined from the public record, and makes substantial changes regarding written communication to the Court by non-parties about defendants prior to sentencing.

The Court, in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney's Office and Office of Federal Public Defender, will host an open forum to discuss the amendments to the rule and the procedures to be used in all criminal proceedings so that a defendant's cooperation, or lack thereof, cannot be determined from the public record. The new processes regarding written communications to the Court by non-parties will also be outlined.

This event will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room located on the first floor of the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse. All Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Assistant Federal Public Defenders, CJA Panel Attorneys, and those with primary practices of criminal defense in Federal Court are encouraged to attend. Registration for all attendees is required by responding to MOED_RSVP@moed.uscourts.gov. Please provide your name and contact number in your response. For further information regarding attendance at this event, please contact Betty Ann Skrien at 314-244-7461.

Gregory J. Linhares
Clerk of Court
United States District Court - Eastern Missouri