If you are going to court for a final restraining order, photographs, videos, and audio recordings can help you tell the full story. Examples of videos that you may choose to present are security camera footage, doorbell camera footage, or an audio file recorded on a cell phone.

Preparing for court

It is important to prepare your evidence before you go to court. While considering whether to present a piece of media, the first question is whether it is relevant and whether it supports your case. Does the video or audio file support the version of events you will testify about to the court? For example, if you will testify that the abuser drove by your home several times, a doorbell camera recording of those incidents could be helpful.

The next consideration is whether it will be admissible. In order to use a piece of evidence in court, you need to testify that the evidence is what you say it is. For example, can you testify that the video is a true and accurate representation of what happened?

Admitting Your Evidence During the Trial

Now, it is time to prepare evidence for the court. If your evidence is electronic (for example, a video or audio recording), contact the court to see how it should be shared. You may be able to upload the file to court staff, email it to the court, or provide a flash drive. Be sure to check with the court before the trial is over. If you can present the evidence on your own laptop or other device, then you do not need to contact the court. However, you must still provide something to the court to keep a copy of the evidence, like a flash drive.

If you are writing an outline of your testimony, be sure to incorporate the evidence in the outline. An outline includes information relevant to your case and personal story. For example, if your outline describes an incident like the abuser driving by your home, you should include a note to mention the video that supports that testimony. Plan to label and refer to the evidence as P-1, P-2, (P for plaintiff. The defendant’s exhibits will be marked D-1, D-2, etc.) and so on as it comes up in your story.

After you describe the incident, let the court know you have this evidence to present. Depending on the format, either you or the court staff will bring up the video or audio file. If necessary, describe who may be seen or heard in the audio. It is not necessary to testify to who took the video or when, but you can share this information if it is helpful. You should also tell the court that the video is a fair and accurate representation of what occurred, and you have not edited the file in any way.

If someone other than you took the video, it is not necessary for them to testify if you can authenticate the video yourself. For example, if you are using security footage from your employer, and you personally saw what is portrayed in the videos, you can obtain those and present them yourself as evidence. A third party, like your employer, may request a subpoena in order to release the evidence. You may serve the subpoena yourself, even if you do not have an attorney.

After you have completed your testimony regarding this specific video or audio file, you should offer it to the judge. The judge will then ask if the adverse party has any objections. If the evidence is admitted, the sheriff's officer will provide the jump drive to the judge, if appropriate. Be sure not to approach the judge yourself at any time.

After successfully admitting evidence, you can move on to any other parts of your testimony and repeat the process for any other videos you want to submit. Introducing evidence makes your testimony stronger. By organizing your outline clearly and preparing in advance, you will be able to present a more persuasive and effective case in court.

See How To Submit Photographs Into Evidence During a Final Restraining Order Hearing and How to Submit Certified Medical Records Into Evidence During a Final Restraining Order Hearing to learn how to admit other kinds of evidence.

This information last reviewed: Aug 26, 2025