Understanding ER 904 Notice: Key Insights and Legal Implications

Definition & Meaning

The ER 904 Notice refers to a legal requirement under Evidence Rule 904, which pertains to the admissibility of documents in court. This rule allows a party to submit documents as evidence without needing to provide testimony to authenticate them. However, to do so, the party must notify all other involved parties at least 30 days before the trial. This notice must state that the documents will be presented under this rule and will be considered authentic unless an objection is raised within 14 days of the notice being served.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A business is involved in a contract dispute. They plan to use emails and signed contracts as evidence. They send an ER 904 Notice to the opposing party 30 days before the trial, informing them of their intention to submit these documents as evidence.

Example 2: In a criminal case, the prosecution intends to introduce surveillance footage as evidence. They provide an ER 904 Notice to the defense, allowing them to object if they believe the footage is not authentic (hypothetical example).

State-by-state differences

State ER 904 Notice Requirements
California Follows similar notification requirements as outlined in Evidence Rule 904.
New York Requires notice but may have additional local rules regarding document admissibility.
Texas Similar provisions, but specific local rules may vary.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Evidence Rule 901 Requires evidence to be authenticated through witness testimony or other means.
ER 904 Notice Allows documents to be deemed authentic without testimony if proper notice is given.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to submit documents as evidence in a legal case, ensure you prepare and serve an ER 904 Notice at least 30 days before your trial date. You can use legal templates from US Legal Forms to create this notice efficiently. If you face complexities or potential objections, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.

Quick facts

  • Notification period: 30 days before trial
  • Objection period: 14 days after notice
  • Applies to civil and criminal cases

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to submit your documents under ER 904, potentially affecting your case.