Error

Solution

Selecting a generic docketing event such as “Notice (Other)” or “Notice of Filing” instead of the appropriate, more specific event.

CM/ECF includes a search feature on its toolbar. For example, if you are filing a Notice of Deposition, you can enter “deposition” in the search bar. Each event containing the word “deposition” in CM/ECF will appear. This process will assist you in identifying the correct docketing event.

Selecting all defendants in a multi-defendant criminal action when the filing only pertains to one defendant.

Ensure you select only the check box for the appropriate individual defendant’s case.

Not selecting the correct parties when filing an amended complaint.

When filing an “Amended Complaint”, you must select all appropriate filers (typically all plaintiffs listed on the amended complaint) and all parties against whom the amended complaint is filed (typically all defendants listed on the amended complaint).

Duplicating docket text from the “Category” drop-down menu in the “Description” field when adding attachments to a filing.  

When adding attachments to a filing, the “Category” drop-down menu allows you to select from several key words such as “Exhibit”, “Appendix”, “Affidavit”, etc. to describe each attachment. If none of the supplied words applies, leave that box blank. The “Description” field is for free text and will allow you to describe the attachment. Do not repeat words from the “Category” choice in the “Description” field.

Selecting only the “Continue” event or the “Motion for Extension of Time” event in criminal docketing when the motion requests both a continuance of a hearing and an extension of time.

Select both the “Extension of Time” and “Continue” events under the “Motions” category when filing a motion to continue a hearing and to extend deadlines in a criminal case.

Placing an incorrect judge’s initials in the case caption of a filing after the case has been reassigned.

Check the judge assigned to the case on the docket to ensure you add the correct judge’s initials to the case number in the caption of the filing.

Not adding corporate parents or other affiliates to the case when filing a “Certificate of Interested Persons/Corporate Disclosure Statement”.

When docketing the “Certificate of Interested Persons/Corporate Disclosure Statement” event, add the corporate parent(s) or other affiliate(s) when prompted. If there are multiple, be sure to add all of them.

Not using the “Return of Service Executed” event in civil docketing when filing proof of service of a summons (often, these are filed incorrectly using the events “Affidavit of Service” or “Certificate of Service”).

Use the event “Return of Service Executed” when filing proof of service of a summons. Use the “Affidavit of Service” or “Certificate of Service” event when filing proof of service of something else (e.g., subpoena, initial disclosures, discovery, etc.).

Receiving the following error message after uploading a document to a docket entry: “Document is malformed or contains code which may cause an external action (such as launching an application). This PDF document cannot be accepted.”

Use the tool “Sanitize Document” or “Remove Hidden Information” on the document using Adobe Acrobat. Re-save the document. Then, upload the document to the entry again.