Hon. Joshua Riba — Judicial Procedures
Circuit Civil
Quick operational summary based on publicly available court procedure materials. Always verify with the official court source before relying on this information.
Quick Rules
UMC / Motion Calendar
With opposing-party assent, file a written motion and order to continue a pretrial conference no later than noon on the Friday of the preceding week.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
A motion to continue a pretrial conference must state the grounds, contain a speedy-trial waiver, and include opposing counsel’s consent.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
The defendant must be present for pretrial motion hearings absent prior Court approval and good cause.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Courtesy Copies
Provide the Court with a courtesy copy of any motion filed through the E-Portal.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Courtesy copies may be provided by fax, e-mail, or in open court.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Zoom Hearings
Untimely requests to appear remotely at a pretrial conference will not be permitted absent good cause.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Remote appearances are not permitted when the Court has directed a mandatory appearance.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Remote appearance at the final scheduled pretrial before trial requires prior Court approval.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
To use communication technology for a motion hearing, file a motion in advance, obtain opposing-party consent, and provide an express waiver of any applicable confrontation right.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Conduct matters requiring testimony via Zoom with the participant’s camera activated.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Only attorneys or self-represented parties will receive Zoom meeting and login information, and they must share it with attendees.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Unauthorized recording of remote hearings, including audio, video, or screen captures, is prohibited.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
A proposed order approving substitution of counsel must be accompanied by the client’s written consent.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Privately retained counsel seeking withdrawal must file a motion, request a hearing date from the Judicial Assistant, and properly notice the client.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Special Set Hearings
Request a continuance of a pretrial motion hearing as soon as practicable after learning of the need.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
A request to appear remotely at a pretrial conference must be made at least one week before the scheduled conference absent an unanticipated exigency.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If counsel cannot appear for a scheduled hearing, coverage counsel is permissible but must understand the relevant case matters and be capable of scheduling future hearings.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Emergency Motions
Oral motions to continue may be made in open court during the pretrial conference.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
An oral motion may be made in open court before a pretrial conference if opposing counsel is present and the Clerk is notified that the matter will be addressed in advance.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Discovery Disputes
Opposing counsel must confer and make a good-faith attempt to resolve discovery matters without a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Schedule a necessary discovery hearing in open court with opposing counsel present or with the Judicial Assistant and prior agreement of opposing counsel.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Cancellations
If unable to arrange coverage counsel because of conflicting court appearances, provide prompt written notice to opposing counsel, the clerk of each court, and the presiding judge of each case if known.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
File all pretrial motions at least fifteen days before trial absent good cause.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
A motion must be filed before requesting a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Substantive or evidentiary motion hearings require a written motion and copies provided to the Court and the State.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Absent good cause, file a written motion to continue trial at least two weeks before trial.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Amended charging documents, witness lists, or evidence lists filed within fifteen days of trial require prior Court authorization.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
At calendar call, counsel must announce trial readiness, including witness availability, discovery issues, and additional pretrial litigation needs.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Place all plea offers on the record at calendar call in the defendant’s presence.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Connor Laporta
Phone
(727)815-7174Official Page
Court WebsiteLast Verified
August 9, 2026
Official Sources
Source: Official court page or published division procedure material.
Official court pageDivision procedures pageOther Pasco County judges
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- Hon. Gregory G. GrogerCircuit Civil
