NEWS FROM U.S. DISTRICT COURT
October 13, 2023

Transcript Rates Increase. The first of two transcript rate increases has gone into effect. Last year the Judicial Conference approved a significant increase to the maximum per page original and copy transcript fee rates. The increase is roughly 10 percent in each of the fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The increase is aimed at keeping pace with inflation and helping courts recruit and retain qualified court reporters. The new rates can be found on the Court’s website.

Portrait Unveiling. The portrait unveiling for retired U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in Courtroom 1 of the Rapid City Federal Building, 515 Ninth Street, Rapid City, South Dakota. The ceremony is open to the general public.

Correct Event for Requesting a Competency Evaluation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §4241(a), the U.S. Attorney, the defense, or the court on its own motion, can move for a judicial determination regarding a defendant’s competency. Regardless of who is filing the motion, the movant it must establish reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may currently be suffering from mental disease or defect rendering him/her incompetent. CM/ECF has a specific event for filing this type of motion. It is located under Criminal → Motions and Related Filings → Motions → Competency Evaluation. In order for this motion to show up on the Court’s pending motions report for a ruling, the correct event must be used.

Reminder. The Court will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veterans Day.