Courts resume with restrictions

As the superior and circuit courts start to ease restrictions and begin the process of conducting hearings again, the judges and court attendants urge patience by those who will be entering the Washington County Justice Center for court appearances. The courts have provided important information to those who may be involved in an upcoming court date.

These restrictions are in place, based on Governor Eric Holcomb’s and Washington County Commissioners guidelines regarding COVID-19.

1. You will need to bring a mask and wear it over your mouth and nose. It can be cloth or paper, even home-made.

2. Check in at the Security Desk and answer COVID-19 questions, then wait to be called in for your hearing. Your temperature will be taken when you enter the building.

3. Do NOT bring children or observers. 

4. Observe Social Distancing – 6 feet apart, when possible.

5. Use hand sanitizer as entering building and while inside.

6. Always wash hands after being in the restroom.

7. Contact your attorney (or the court) if you are sick or may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

8. You may be able to participate by telephone or by video conferencing. If you have an attorney this must be set up through the attorney.     

9. If you are at high risk and feel you should not be present in person, contact your attorney, if you are represented, or contact the court if you do not have an attorney, and a decision will be made as to whether you need to attend in person. 

10. If you expect to call witnesses, please provide the name and phone number of each witness to the court prior to the hearing (day before if possible) so the security desk will be authorized to admit them. Advise your witnesses they will not be admitted until needed. 

11.   We are trying to hold as many hearings/trials as possible. However, due to the need to clean and the extra precautions to protect everyone’s health, EXPECT DELAYS.