Courts altering schedules to deter outbreak spread

Courts altering schedules to deter outbreak spread

Many court activities are have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.

GRAYS HARBOR SUPERIOR COURT

Criminal: As presiding officer of Grays Harbor Superior Court, Judge Dave Edwards, issued a general order Monday for the operation of Superior Court, which includes continuing most criminal cases until mid-April.

“The court shall continue to conduct preliminary appearance hearings on a daily basis, as needed,” according to General Order 2020-2. Cases scheduled for March 23 are delayed until April 13. March 30 and April 6 cases are moved back to April 15. Urgent motions may be scheduled for hearings, if approved in advance by the presiding judge.

Civil: All dockets are suspended until April 13. Urgent motions may be scheduled for hearings, if approved in advance by the presiding judge.

Domestic and family law: All dockets suspended until April 13. Trials will be conducted as scheduled unless continued by court order. Motions for restraining orders, temporary parenting plans and other urgent motions will be heard on Mondays, but will need approval in advance by the presiding judge.

Paternity: Dockets are suspended until April 13.

Dependency: Dockets are suspended until April 15. Dependency motions of an emergent nature can be scheduled if approved at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing date by Judge David Mistachkin. Shelter care hearings will continue.

Juvenile court: The criminal dockets are suspended until April 16, except for preliminary appearances and motions for pretrial release, changes of plea and deferred disposition.

Drug court: There will be a limit of 10 participants without family members or friends. Additional dockets may be scheduled at Judge Stephen Brown’s discretion.

Default dissolution: No changes.

Protection docket: No changes.

DISTRICT COURTS

Presiding Judge Thomas Copland issued administrative order 2020-1D on Monday which continues criminal jury trials scheduled from now through April 2 to resume the week of April 27. The order could change on or before April 15.

MUNICIPAL COURTS

Many city courts are curtailing some operations temporarily. Be sure to check with your municipal court if you have questions about its procedures during the coronavirus outbreak.