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

70^TH District Court