Docket Sounding
McBride's case is moving toward trial
What to expect during McBride’s next hearing
On the morning of May 14, inside courtroom 6 of the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach, Judge A. Christian Miller will ask a simple question: Is this case ready for trial?
The defendant is Travis McBride, the licensed anger management therapist accused of first-degree murder in the January 2024 shooting death of Clinton Dorsey. His criminal trial has been scheduled to begin on May 27.
But before that can happen, there’s the matter of the docket sounding—a procedural hearing that may seem routine on the surface, but could prove pivotal.
What is a docket sounding?
The term “docket sounding” is a bit of legalese with old roots, blending courtroom tradition with administrative practicality.
The term comes from two sources: “docket” and “sounding,” each with distinct legal heritage.
A docket is simply a formal record of cases pending in a court. Think of it as the court’s agenda or schedule—an official log listing what cases are in line to be heard. The word comes from Middle English, likely derived from the Latin docquettum, meaning a brief summary or abstract. Today, it’s still used to refer to the calendar of cases before a judge.
The term sounding originates from an old legal practice—one that goes back centuries in Anglo-American courtrooms. To "sound" something meant to proclaim or announce it, typically aloud. Much like a town crier or court clerk might “sound the call” to announce that a case was coming up, or to summon parties to appear. It’s related to the idea of “sounding the bell” or “sounding the horn.”
Modern docket soundings
These days, a docket sounding is, quite literally, the modern echo of that tradition: the court “sounds the docket,”—calling the cases on its schedule to determine their readiness for trial.
In Florida and many other jurisdictions, docket soundings are set just ahead of the trial date. They serve to prevent surprises, reduce last-minute continuances, and ensure all parties are on the same page. It’s the courtroom’s equivalent of "speak now or reschedule forever."
In Florida courts, a docket sounding (also known as a calendar call) is the point at which both the prosecution and the defense declare whether they’re prepared to proceed to trial. The judge will expect both sides to confirm their readiness, or request a delay.
The sounding call
McBride’s docket sounding isn’t a trial. No witnesses will testify. No evidence will be introduced. But it could be a moment of truth, especially in a high-stakes case like his.
At a docket sounding, almost anything can happen:
A plea deal may be entered and accepted.
A party may request a continuance—to locate a witness, review late evidence, or finalize strategy.
A judge may rule on pending motions or procedural questions.
In rare cases, tensions between the parties boil over.
And in McBride’s case, there’s already tension.
Refusing to appear
Last summer, McBride made headlines when he refused to attend a scheduled court hearing, choosing to remain in the jail’s holding area rather than enter the courtroom. At the time, the judge noted on record that McBride had been “refusing to be transported” from the jail.
That refusal added an unpredictable edge to the proceedings—especially in a case where motive remains murky and the accused has said little publicly since his arrest.
Will McBride appear this time? Will his attorneys confirm they’re ready for trial—or ask for more time? Will the state offer a plea deal behind closed doors, or signal a new strategy?
No one knows yet. But the docket sounding will mark a shift—from investigation to confrontation, from theory to trial.
Looking ahead
If both parties confirm readiness, the May 27 trial date will stand, and preparations for jury selection will move forward. The court will begin issuing subpoenas, reviewing final motions, and preparing the logistics for what could be a multi-day proceeding involving crime scene witnesses, forensic evidence, and perhaps even McBride himself—if he takes the stand.
But if there’s a delay, or if a plea is suddenly entered, the trajectory of this case could change overnight.
In a courtroom where every moment matters, the docket sounding may not be the main event—but it’s a key milestone before moving forward.