Judge orders restrictions on court proceedings

Whenever possible, court proceedings will be conducted via advanced communication technologies such as video and telephone.

Proceedings that occur via a list of cases, such as criminal plea and sentence court, are being rescheduled in increments to reduce the number of individuals present in the courtroom at one time.

If necessary, Seidle-Patton will declare a judicial emergency to allow for more restrictive measures to be taken.

Central Court procedures

Only the district attorney and necessary staff, defense attorneys and defendants will be permitted to enter court facilities for proceedings at Central Court. No family, friends or other individuals will be permitted.

Witnesses present for hearings will be asked to remain in their vehicles after informing the deputy of their presence. If they are needed for a hearing, they will be permitted to enter the building at that time.

Otherwise, witnesses will be informed by the deputy that they are excused once the district attorney has informed the deputy the case has been resolved.

Each district judge is evaluating hearings scheduled in their respective offices to determine any hearings that can be continued to a later date, rescheduled at greater time increments or conducted via video or phone.

The district judge offices are already equipped with windows that restrict face to face contact with individuals who enter the offices for other purposes.

Meanwhile, the county’s domestic relations office has been instructed to conduct all support conferences via telephone rather than face to to face until further notice. Any appointments scheduled with domestic relations for at least the next two weeks will be conducted via conference call.