This message is an effort to communicate the transition to
in-person proceedings and the continued use of Zoom for all District Court matters. Please watch for further updates and
check with the assigned court for questions or further clarification on specific matters. Generally, District Court will follow Zoom/In-Person proceedings as set forth below
effective Monday, February 28, 2022.
ZOOM HEARINGS
PRETRIALS (criminal/traffic/civil – including municipal infractions/code enforcement)
Preliminary Examination Conferences
PLEAS
COBBS
COMPETENCY HEARINGS
BENCH TRIALS (unless judge determines in-person trial is necessary)
LANDLORD TENANT PRETRIALS (if need trial, presumption of Zoom unless judge determines in-person trial is necessary)
ARRAIGNMENTS
continue via Zoom for jail/in-custody and scheduled call-ins.
*Appointments may be made for those seeking in-person
arraignment. Because in-person arraignment will need to be coordinated with the Public Defenders Office or private counsel, it will be offered on a limited basis only.
IN-PERSON HEARINGS
Preliminary Examinations -
(in-person unless agreed/requested to continue via Zoom)
JURY TRIALS
FINAL PRETRIALS - in-person or Zoom (check with individual judge/court)
SENTENCINGS/PROBATION VIOLATION HEARINGS
- in-person or Zoom (check with individual judge/court)
Further, we anticipate that impromptu requests for hybrid proceedings (participation by Zoom and
in-person) may occur in situations where attorneys attending in-person proceedings at the courthouse are also scheduled for Zoom-proceedings. To the extent the Zoom hearing is otherwise non-evidentiary and/or no advantage is gained or prejudice
suffered (e.g. PT, PEC, etc.) hybrid proceedings will be permitted. However, please understand that
hybrid hearings are not preferred and may result in denials to requests for placement in Zoom breakout rooms with counsel and/or clients. Simply put we are not able to clear the courtroom to allow for breakout room meetings in hybrid hearing situations.
As always, please be diligent in contacting opposing counsel and clients prior to court. Thank you.
Hon. Elian E. H. Fichtner
70TH District Court
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