FEDERAL DISTRICT COURTS AND STATE COURTS
Alabama
In the Northern District of Alabama, district and magistrate judges shall determine when it is appropriate to conduct in-person hearings on a case-by-case basis. Hearings will be conducted remotely through the coronavirus national emergency unless it is necessary for them to be held in-person. The district is prohibiting those who have tested positive for the coronavirus and those who may have been exposed to the virus from entering its courthouses. Also prohibited are those who have visited China, Italy, Japan, Iran or South Korea in the past two weeks.

In the Middle District of Alabama, initial appearances, arraignments and detention hearings before the magistrate judges will continue remotely. Any proceedings that can’t be conducted remotely will be coordinated with the duty magistrate judge.

Access to the Montgomery, Dothan and Opelika courthouses is restricted to judges, court staff, members of the media and visitors with official court business. 

The Middle District is prohibiting those who have tested positive for the coronavirus and those who may have been exposed to the virus from entering its courthouses. Also prohibited are those who have visited China, Italy, Japan, Iran or South Korea in the past two weeks.

The Southern District of Alabama is prohibiting those who have tested positive for the coronavirus and those who may have been exposed to the virus from entering its courthouses. Also prohibited are those who have visited Europe, China, Italy, Iran or South Korea in the past two weeks. Everyone must wear a mask while on the courthouse premises, and everyone will be required to submit to COVID-19 screening before being allowed to enter the courthouse, starting May 18.

In the state court system, jury trials are suspended until Sept. 14. In-person hearings in the Circuit, District, Juvenile, Municipal and Probate courts may begin after May 15, at the discretion of the presiding Circuit judge.

Alaska
In the District of Alaska, all jury trials are postponed until after Aug. 3, as are civil hearings. Trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases set to begin before Aug. 3 are postponed until further notice, but pretrial deadlines will remain in effect. All jury trial-specific deadlines in civil cases scheduled to begin before Aug. 3 are vacated pending further order of the assigned judge. All noncase-related activities scheduled in the James M. Fitzgerald U.S. Courthouse in Anchorage and the U.S. courthouses in Fairbanks and Juneau are canceled until further notice. No in-person hearings in bankruptcy appeals pending before the court scheduled to start on or before Aug. 3 will go forward.

Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a face mask in public areas of the courthouses. Those who have COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for the virus, have been asked to quarantine in the past two weeks or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive in the last two weeks are prohibited from entering the district’s courthouses.

In Alaska’s state court system, jury trials are suspended until at least Sept. 1. Grand jury proceedings and nonjury proceedings in criminal and civil cases may resume June 1. Court proceedings will be conducted with social distancing and other safety measures.

Arizona 
In the District of Arizona, the moratorium on in-person court proceedings is partially lifted as of June 1 in the Phoenix and Tucson courthouses. Certain jury trials will be allowed in those courthouses in June and July. The customer service counters in the clerk’s offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma are closed until further notice. The Flagstaff courthouse will be closed to the public, except for necessary court appearances, until further notice. All Flagstaff jury trials are postponed until further notice. Members of the public admitted to the courtroom will be limited to no more than two people in the public seating area at any time.

Those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed to enter courthouses. Masks are required to enter district courthouses.

In the state court system, all courts were permitted to begin transitioning to in-person proceedings on June 1. Presiding Superior Court judges will determine how to conduct in-person proceedings. Proceedings in all Arizona Appellate, Superior, Justice, Juvenile and Municipal courts and before the presiding disciplinary judge may be held remotely.

Arkansas
In the Eastern District of Arkansas, all civil and criminal jury trials and grand jury proceedings scheduled before May 29 were postponed, and further postponements will be handled by presiding judges. Attorneys and parties must provide notice of potential exposure to the coronavirus. The court will use videoconferencing in preliminary criminal proceedings as needed. 

In the Western District of Arkansas, civil and criminal bench and jury trials scheduled to begin before Aug. 3 are postponed until further notice. Grand jury proceedings are postponed until July 28. Petty offense proceedings are postponed until Aug. 3, and a naturalization ceremony scheduled for July 31 is canceled.

In the state court system, jury summonses may be issued for jury service that begins after July 1. Starting May 18, Arkansas state courts may resume conducting in-person hearings with certain measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Civil jury trials may be conducted remotely. Criminal jury trials will be conducted in-person, although initial proceedings may be conducted remotely.

California
In the Southern District of California, judges can conduct proceedings, except for jury trials, in all civil cases. A quorum of grand jurors may be available to serve during limited periods starting on May 20. Beginning June 1, judges can conduct certain in-person criminal proceedings when the defendant is out of custody.

In the Eastern District of California, all courthouses are closed to the public. Only those with official court business or building tenants with official business may enter courthouse property. The court will not call in jurors for service in criminal or civil jury trials until further notice. All civil matters will be decided on the papers or handled through remote hearings. Pro se parties in civil and bankruptcy matters are encouraged to file documents by mail. If they are unable to do so, they may file at drop boxes in the entrances of the Sacramento, Fresno and Modesto courthouses. Criminal matters may be postponed or held remotely at the judge’s discretion.

The Central District of California has adopted a phased reopening plan. The first phase will include the return of certain staff to the courthouse to prepare for limited in-court proceedings and will begin at the recommendation of various agencies and individuals. Hearings in civil cases and certain criminal cases will proceed remotely. Hearings in any criminal matter and emergency civil matters may proceed in person when the court enters Phase 2 of the reopening. Criminal bench matters will continue to take place in the Roybal Courthouse in Los Angeles, remotely with the defendant’s consent and in court absent consent. Naturalization ceremonies scheduled through September are canceled. Only emergency, time-sensitive civil matters will go forward and will proceed by telephone. All matters before the Bankruptcy Court will proceed by telephone.

In the Northern District of California, no new civil jury trials will be conducted before Sept. 30, and no new criminal jury trials will be conducted before June 30. A limited number of criminal jury trials are permitted as of July 1. Other criminal proceedings will be conducted remotely. Through Sept. 30, all civil matters will be decided on the papers or through a remote hearing, if necessary.

The Central District and Eastern District of California are prohibiting anyone who visited China, South Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran in the past two weeks from entering any of their courthouses. The restriction also applies to those who have had close contact with someone who has visited those countries in the past two weeks, those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, those who have been asked to self-quarantine and those experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath.

In the state court system, all Los Angeles County Superior Court judges are required to wear face masks in public areas inside courthouses. Any Superior Court criminal trials that would have been conducted between March 16 and June 15 are extended for 90 days from the last date they could have been conducted. The court reopened to the public on June 15, but the clerk’s office and self-help centers in every courthouse are accessible by appointment only.

The California Supreme Court suspended in-person oral argument sessions until further notice. Counsel will only appear remotely. All oral argument sessions will be held in the court’s San Francisco headquarters courtroom with limited seating.

Colorado
In the District of Colorado, all civil and criminal trials set to start before July 31 are postponed, excluding certain pilot trials authorized by the chief judge. Hearings will be held remotely when possible. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to it are prohibited from entering any courthouse. Starting June 22, those entering courthouses are required to wear a face mask. Naturalization ceremonies scheduled after June 19 will proceed on a limited basis and with social distancing.

In the state court system, all jury calls are suspended until July 6 unless ordered by the chief judge.

Connecticut
In the District of Connecticut, individual judges will determine whether nonjury civil or criminal proceedings will be held in the courtroom. All participants in in-court proceedings after June 15 must wear masks, unless otherwise ordered by the judge. Grand jury proceedings may begin after June 15. Those who have experienced COVID-19 symptoms in the last 21 days are prohibited from entering the courthouse, as are those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or have come into contact with someone who has in the last 21 days.

All scheduled hearings and conferences in the district’s bankruptcy court will be conducted by telephone, unless the matter is withdrawn, resolved, postponed or the court determines the proceeding is not necessary.

In the state court system, all jury service is suspended until further notice. Some courts have remained open through the pandemic while others have closed. The Appellate Court has remote arguments scheduled in July. Face masks are required to enter state courthouses.

Delaware
In the District of Delaware, the J. Caleb Boggs U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Wilmington is closed until further notice. All civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to begin before July 31 are postponed until further notice. Individual judges may conduct sentencings, change of plea hearings and bench trials at their discretion. Impaneled grand juries may resume meeting as of May 27.

Attorneys are asked to inform the appropriate court if they have appeared in court and have since developed symptoms or tested positive for the coronavirus and to inform the courts about any scheduled proceedings that will require the attendance of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus or has been in contact in the past 14 days with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Also, the courts will conduct conferences and hearings by phone when possible and will consider any request to change a scheduled in-person proceeding to a telephone proceeding.

In the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, face masks are required in common areas of court facilities. In-person court hearings will be held at the judge’s discretion, limited to critical cases only. Remote hearings are encouraged when possible.

The state judiciary began a “soft opening” on June 8, allowing attorneys and some other professionals with court business to return to court buildings. Protocols including entrance screening, a face mask requirement and social distancing are in place. The total number of courthouse visitors will be limited to 25% of the building’s total occupancy. Supreme Court oral arguments in the Dover courthouse are allowed again.

Florida
In the Southern District of Florida, anyone entering a court facility must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. All jury trials scheduled to begin on or after March 30 are postponed until Oct. 13, as are trial-specific deadlines. Grand jury sessions are postponed until Oct. 13. Judges may hold hearings, conferences and bench trials at their discretion, and are encouraged to do so remotely. Criminal matters before magistrate judges will continue to take place as usual. Naturalization ceremonies are suspended through Oct. 13.

Court security officers are screening people who enter the federal courthouse and denying entry to anyone who has recently visited Italy, Iran, South Korea or China. Anyone who resides with or has had recent close contact with someone who has traveled to one of those countries, has been asked to self-quarantine, has tested positive for the coronavirus or had contact with someone tested positive also will not be able to enter any of the federal courthouses in the district.

In the Middle District of Florida, those with symptoms of COVID-19 and those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. All jury trials in the Orlando Division scheduled to begin before Aug. 31 are postponed, as are all trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin before Aug. 31. A face mask is required for entry at the Fort Myers Federal Courthouse and the Golden-Collum Memorial Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse in Ocala.

In the Northern District of Florida, all court locations are closed to the public, except for individuals who have necessary court business. Hearings will be conducted remotely until further notice. Naturalization ceremonies are suspended through July 31.

In the state court system, statewide grand jury proceedings are suspended through July 26. All other jury proceedings are suspended until 30 days after the chief judge of a judicial circuit has determined that the circuit or a county within the circuit has transitioned to Phase 2 of reopening. During Phase 2, limited in-person contact is allowed with protective measures.

Georgia
In the Northern District of Georgia, there will be no jury trials through August 30, but grand jury proceedings may continue. The Gainesville Division courthouse is closed until further notice. Other courthouses are open, with social distancing and face mask requirements. Those who have symptoms, have been asked to self-quarantine or have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks are prohibited from entering courthouses.

In the Middle District of Georgia, no jury trials will be held until September 13. Grand juries are not affected by the moratorium. Criminal cases are postponed from March 17 until September 13 — a period excluded under the Speedy Trial Act. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. The clerk’s office is closed for in-person business, and face masks are required in public areas of courthouses.

In the Southern District of Georgia, only those with official court business will be admitted into the courthouse. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering the building. Grand juries will continue to meet. Criminal matters before magistrate judges will continue to take place as usual.

In the Georgia Supreme Court, almost all new cases docketed on or after May 28 will be subject to normal deadlines, although parties may seek extensions of time related to the pandemic or otherwise. Parties in cases pending as of May 28 have the same amount of time to submit their filings as they had remaining when an emergency order suspending deadlines went into effect on March 14.

Guam
In the District of Guam, courthouse access is limited to employees, building tenants, bar members, public and media attending scheduled proceedings, impaneled federal grand jurors, clerk’s office filers and those with appointments. Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a face covering in all public areas of the courthouse and adhere to social distancing measures. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are not permitted to enter the court. All naturalization ceremonies, court tours and community outreach events scheduled through July are canceled unless otherwise scheduled by the court.

Hawaii
In the District of Hawaii, the court is open for all civil and criminal nonjury matters as of June 15. Presiding judges may take proceedings off the calendar or conduct them remotely. Some jury trials may resume on Aug. 3.

In the state court system, all jury trials are postponed until after Aug. 31 unless ordered by the presiding judge. Circuit courts may resume conducting jury trials with social distancing beginning on Sept. 1. Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or may have been exposed to the coronavirus are prohibited from entering judicial facilities. Face coverings are required in judicial facilities.

Idaho
In the District of Idaho, no in-person bankruptcy or civil proceedings will take place until further notice. All preliminary felony and post-conviction proceedings conducted by a magistrate judge will be held remotely.

Those with symptoms of COVID-19 and those who may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from coming to court.

In the state court system, no jury trials in a criminal case will begin before Aug. 3 and no jury trials in a civil case will begin before Oct. 5. Most court proceedings will be held remotely.

Illinois
In the Northern District of Illinois, civil case hearings, bench trials and settlement conferences may be conducted remotely. In-person proceedings are limited to urgent matters that can’t be conducted remotely. Civil and criminal jury trials will not be conducted before Aug. 3. Grand juries will continue to meet, and the court is available for electronic filing.

In the Central District of Illinois, jury trials may resume in all divisions as of July 20. In-person hearings may proceed, but the court will continue to use remote hearings as well. Face masks are required to enter the District’s courthouses. Courthouses in Peoria, Springfield and Urbana are open with regular business hours and limited staff. Court operations in the Rock Island Division, temporarily relocated in Davenport, Iowa, are proceeding with regular business hours and limited staff. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus should contact the court before appearing.

In the Southern District of Illinois, no civil or criminal jury trials will occur before Aug. 1. Naturalization ceremonies will not be conducted through September 30. Those entering a courthouse must wear a face mask in public areas of the courthouse.

For the Cook County Circuit Court, all matters are postponed for 30 days from their originally scheduled date, but some proceedings will continue, including certain criminal matters, juvenile detention hearings, temporary custody hearings and mental health hearings, among others. Discovery in civil matters will continue, and emergency civil hearings may be conducted in-person or remotely.

Indiana
In the Southern District of Indiana, court proceedings may be conducted remotely at the judge’s discretion. Courthouses opened to the public on July 6, with face mask and social distancing requirements. Those with symptoms and those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus are prohibited from visiting courthouses. Individuals are required to wear face masks to enter courthouses.

In the Northern District of Indiana, the Fort Wayne, Hammond, Lafayette and South Bend divisions, as well as the district’s bankruptcy court and probation office, are closed to the public. The court will conduct necessary proceedings remotely as ordered by the presiding judge in each case. Necessary criminal proceedings will continue to be held before magistrate judges unless the parties agree to postpone them. Those proceedings will be conducted remotely as much as possible.

In the state court system, individual trial courts have their own plans to expand court operations, available here. 

In the Indiana Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals of Indiana, in-person filing through the rotunda drop box is suspended until further notice. Parties can file motions for an extension of time if they can’t make certain filing deadlines.

Iowa
In the Northern District of Iowa, jury trials can be conducted as of June 1, but the presiding judge will consider postponement motions filed by any party. Grand jury proceedings scheduled for after May 11 will proceed as scheduled. 

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus are prohibited from entering the courthouse, as are those who have been asked to self-quarantine, those experiencing symptoms and those who may have been exposed to the virus.

In the Southern District of Iowa, all civil and criminal jury trials scheduled from June 29 to Aug. 10 are postponed until further notice.

In the state court system, nonemergency court proceedings will resume as follows: criminal nonjury proceedings on June 1, civil proceedings on June 15, criminal jury proceedings on July 13 and civil jury proceedings on Aug. 3.

The Iowa Supreme Court ordered that attorneys and parties notify their opposing counsel and appropriate clerk of court’s office if they suspect a participant in any proceeding has an elevated risk of transmitting the novel coronavirus. No one who has an elevated risk can attend any state court proceeding in person without court authorization. Attorneys must also ask their clients and witnesses whether they have an elevated risk of transmission, the order said.

Potential state court jurors must notify the jury manager if they have an elevated risk of transmitting coronavirus, and the jury manager must reschedule them to a new service term. The court said it will also promptly consider requests from parties to change in-person proceedings to remote proceedings.

Kansas
In the District of Kansas, presiding judges have the discretion to conduct courtroom hearings in civil and criminal cases that do not involve custodial defendants. The senior active district judge in each court division will determine if hearings with custodial defendants should be conducted in person. Grand jury proceedings are postponed until the national emergency ends or the date when the Judicial Conference of the United States finds that the federal courts are no longer affected, whichever is earlier. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus are prohibited from coming to court.

In the state court system, all civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to begin on or after March 18 are postponed until further notice. Trials in progress as of March 18 may continue to conclusion at the discretion of the presiding judge. All district and appellate courts will be restricted to emergency operations until further notice. Statutes of limitations and statutory time standards are suspended until further notice.

Kentucky
In the Eastern District of Kentucky, all civil and criminal trials were postponed through May 17. Grand jury proceedings will continue.

All hearings in emergency matters will be conducted remotely “absent exceptional circumstances,” according to a district order.

In the Western District of Kentucky, civil and criminal trials scheduled to begin through July 10 were postponed, as were trial-specific deadlines. In-person proceedings in civil and criminal cases may begin June 15. All trials in progress will be completed at the discretion of the presiding judge.

In the state court system, jury trials are postponed until at least Aug. 1. Grand jury proceedings may resume as of June 1 with certain health and safety precautions.

Louisiana
In the Eastern District of Louisiana, all civil and criminal jury trials are postponed until Aug. 1 and will be rescheduled by each presiding judge. The postponements do not include deadlines other than the trial dates. For civil and criminal in-person hearings, including bench trials, scheduled before Aug. 1, counsel must contact the presiding judge’s chambers to determine how the matter will proceed. All grand jury proceedings are suspended until Aug. 1. All noncase-specific events, including naturalization ceremonies, scheduled before Aug. 1 are canceled and will be rescheduled later.

The court is prohibiting those who have traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy in the past two weeks from entering the New Orleans courthouse. The restriction also applies to those who have had close contact with someone who recently traveled to those countries, those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, those who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, those who have been asked to self-quarantine and those with symptoms of COVID-19.

In the Middle District of Louisiana, all criminal and civil trials and other in-court hearings may proceed as of June 30. Grand jury proceedings may resume with the Chief Judge’s approval. Criminal matters before magistrate judges will take place remotely or in person. No in-person filings will be accepted until further notice. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from the courthouses. Face mask and social distancing requirements are in place.

In the Western District of Louisiana, civil and criminal jury trials may begin on Sept. 14. Public access to clerk of court offices is suspended through Sept. 13. Naturalization ceremonies and other non case-specific events are canceled through Sept. 13. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from courthouses.

Public access to the Louisiana Western District Clerk of Court Offices in the Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport divisions is suspended. Any court filings may be time-stamped and placed in the drop box located in each division.

In the state court system, courts may conduct all matters in person. Courts must continue to practice social distancing and limit in-person presence to 50% of total capacity. All matters should continue to be conducted remotely where possible. 

Maine
In the District of Maine, civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to start through September are postponed. There are no general extensions or suspensions of court deadlines, but motions for extension and suspension may be filed with the court.

Public access to scheduled hearings will be permitted only with the prior permission of the presiding judge. The clerk’s office will be open by appointment only. In-person court proceedings are limited to, among other things, certain criminal matters; the issuance of search warrants; motions seeking immediate, emergency relief; and essential administrative functions.

In the state court system, all civil and criminal jury matters are postponed until after Sept. 7, excluding grand jury proceedings. Court operations will be governed by the judicial branch’s COVID-19 management plan.

Maryland
In the District of Maryland, some civil jury trials may start after July 1, and some criminal jury trials may start after Aug. 1. Other proceedings will continue as scheduled, unless ordered by the presiding judge. All filing deadlines for cases originally set to fall between March 16 and June 5 were extended by 84 days, unless otherwise ordered.

The requirement to deliver paper courtesy copies to the clerk’s office for all First Step Act cases when the filings are 15 pages or more is temporarily suspended unless otherwise ordered by a presiding judge. Everyone must wear masks to enter any district courthouse. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms or have recently come into contact with someone who has the virus are prohibited from entering the district’s courthouses and probation offices.

Courthouse access is limited to litigants with scheduled proceedings, counsel, investigators or employees of counsel and credentialed press. 

In the state court system, courts are gradually returning to full operations. As of June 5, the clerk’s offices of the Circuit and District courts are still closed to the public with limited exceptions for certain proceedings, including status conferences, arraignments for detained defendants, temporary restraining orders, on the record appeals and matters that can be handled remotely or without testimony.

Massachusetts
The Massachusetts District Court said that while the courthouses in Boston, Worcester and Springfield will remain open, all jury trials scheduled to begin on or before Sept. 8 are postponed until further notice. All trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin on or before that date are also postponed. Grand jury proceedings are postponed until at least Aug. 31.

The court is prohibiting visitors who recently traveled to China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea from entering any courthouse or probation office in the district. Those who have had close contact with someone who visited those countries — as well as those who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for the virus or have been instructed by a doctor to self-quarantine — are also prohibited from visiting.

In the state court system, courthouses will physically open to the public for limited purposes on July 13. Most court business will still be conducted remotely in civil and criminal cases. Before July 13, in-person proceedings will be limited to emergency matters that can’t be handled remotely, and in-person court access is limited to court personnel, attorneys, parties, witnesses and other necessary individuals. After July 13, those conducting court business may enter the court, subject to an occupancy limit and social distancing requirements.

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any state courthouse.

Michigan
In the Eastern District of Michigan, criminal jury trials will not take place until at least August. Civil jury trials will not take place earlier than November. Oral arguments, pretrial conferences and settlement conferences in civil cases will be held remotely until further notice, and a variety of criminal proceedings may also be held remotely. Grand jury proceedings may resume as of June 9. Courthouses are closed to the public until further notice, and only those with official court business may enter. The clerk’s office intake windows remain closed and in-person pro se filings are suspended. Mass public gatherings are suspended, and naturalization ceremonies will be held at the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services building in Detroit. Face masks are required for anyone entering a courthouse.

In the district’s bankruptcy court, all hearings will be held by telephone, unless otherwise ordered by a judge, until further notice

In the Western District of Michigan, regular in-person hearings resumed on May 18, although each judge continues to assess what matters can be postponed or handled remotely on a case-by-case basis. The court recommends the use of a face covering in a court facility. Those who are sick, have symptoms or have had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks should not enter a court building.

In the state court system, trial courts are limiting courtroom access to no more than 10 people at a time, including staff. The courts are practicing social distancing and limiting court activity to essential functions. 

Minnesota
In the District of Minnesota, civil and criminal jury trials may resume. The court will continue to hold criminal proceedings remotely, but limited, in-person criminal proceedings may also resume as of July 13. All civil jury trial-specific deadlines may be postponed, and civil hearings or bench trials that cannot be conducted remotely will be postponed. The clerk’s office intake desk is open as of July 6, but cash payments are not accepted. Those with symptoms or possible exposure to the coronavirus are prohibited from visiting the courthouse.

In the state court system, the Minnesota Supreme Court ordered that each District Court in every county and the appellate courts open at least one public service counter on or before June 15. As of June 1, a limited number of pilot jury trials were permitted to begin, subject to safety conditions established by the judiciary. Other than the pilots, no other jury trials will be held in criminal cases before July 6, and no jury trials will be held in civil cases before Sept. 1.

Mississippi
In the Northern District of Mississippi, all proceedings should be conducted remotely where possible. Public access to courthouses is limited to essential business.

In the Southern District of Mississippi, criminal and civil jury trials and their related deadlines are postponed through July 31. Other in-court proceedings may go forward at the presiding judge’s discretion. Judges and counsel are still encouraged to use videoconferencing and teleconferencing for proceedings. Anyone entering the courthouse must wear a face mask, and hearing participants and spectators must practice social distancing. Counsel must notify the presiding judge if they or anyone they intend to bring to the courthouse has symptoms or would raise a reasonable concern of exposure to the coronavirus.

In the state court system, counties with two or fewer reported COVID-19 deaths may send jury summonses. The state Supreme Court urged limiting in-person courthouse contact through the use of electronic filing, teleconferencing and videoconferencing.

Missouri
In the Eastern District of Missouri, a limited number of jury trials may begin as of July 6 in the Southeastern Division and as of July 13 in the Eastern Division, Proceedings should be held remotely where possible. In-person proceedings that a presiding judge determines are nonessential will be postponed until further notice.

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from visiting any courthouse.

In the Western District of Missouri, public counters and probation and pretrial service offices at the district and bankruptcy courts are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., subject to change. Courthouse visitors are required to wear face masks in public areas of the building.

In the state court system, limited in-person court activity may resume starting May 16, although courts will have to meet certain criteria to begin opening.

Montana
In the District of Montana, courthouses are open with limited public access. Civil and criminal hearings may proceed remotely or in-person, depending on the judge’s preference, as long as social distancing requirements can be met.

In the state court system, the Supreme Court recommended on April 27 that courts implement certain physical distancing measures starting May 4 as part of a gradual reopening, while continuing to conduct most cases remotely.

Nebraska
In the District of Nebraska, criminal proceedings may be held remotely through September 24. Face masks are required in public areas of courthouses. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, have traveled internationally in the past two weeks, have had contact with someone who tested positive in the last two weeks or have been asked to self-quarantine are prohibited from entering the District’s courthouses.

In the state court system, attorneys and parties should notify the court and opposing counsel if they suspect that a participant in any court proceeding has tested positive for the coronavirus, has symptoms, or may have been exposed to the virus. No one who falls into those categories can attend a court proceeding without prior authorization.

Nevada
In the District of Nevada, presiding judges will address the need for postponement of jury trials. All noncase events are postponed. The court is trying to conduct hearings remotely whenever possible. The clerk’s office was closed to the public as of March 20, but all filing deadlines are still in effect unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge.

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, may have been exposed to it or show symptoms of COVID-19 are prohibited from visiting any courthouse.

In the district’s bankruptcy court, all hearings will be conducted remotely. 

In the state court system, the Nevada Supreme Court and appellate courts have postponed all in-person oral arguments until further notice, although oral arguments may be conducted remotely.

New Hampshire
The New Hampshire District Court has postponed all civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to begin before Aug. 1. For civil and criminal hearings scheduled before Aug. 1, the presiding judge may postpone or reschedule the hearings to be held remotely or in person at the Rudman Courthouse in Concord. Face masks and social distancing are required in public areas of the courthouse.

All civil hearings and conferences scheduled to occur after March 20 will be conducted remotely. The court will conduct in-person hearings at the Rudman Courthouse on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with certain restrictions regarding the number of people who can be in a courtroom.

Prospective jurors experiencing any flu-like symptoms, coughing, sneezing or fever should contact the district court before appearing. The court said it will make reasonable accommodations and reschedule appearances and hearings as needed.

In the state court system, Circuit Courts will be open on a restricted basis between July 7 through July 27 or the last day of a declared state of emergency. The courthouses will only be open to those filing for emergency relief, those scheduled for in-person proceedings and those who are a party in a landlord/tenant case and need to file required documents or make rental payments. During that time period, all state courts will allow only certain emergency in-court proceedings. In Superior Court, jury trial and grand jury proceedings are suspended until further notice. The Superior Court will conduct any bench trial remotely. The Supreme Court is open on a restricted basis through July 27 or the last day of a declared state of emergency.

New Jersey
For the District of New Jersey, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to begin before Aug. 31 are postponed until further notice. Judges can continue to hold proceedings at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct proceedings remotely. No new grand juries will be impaneled until further notice, but sitting grand juries may continue to meet. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any district courthouse.

In the state court system, there will be no in-person Municipal Court, Superior Court and Tax Court proceedings, except for limited emergency matters. As many matters as possible will be handled remotely.

Schedules for nonjury proceedings such as landlord-tenant and small claims hearings will be staggered to prevent large groups of people from gathering in a confined area. Out-of-state travel has been suspended for staffers, and nonessential court events like student tours have been canceled.

New Mexico
The District of New Mexico has postponed all civil and criminal jury trials set to begin on or before July 31. Grand jury proceedings were permitted to resume at the discretion of the U.S. attorney for the district as of May 4. Anyone entering courthouse facilities is required to wear a mask.

In the state court system, no more than 15 people will be allowed in each courtroom. Judges must conduct civil and criminal proceedings remotely except when an emergency requires an in-person appearance. Civil and criminal jury trials may begin between June 15 and July 15 in each judicial district pursuant to individual district plans, which must incorporate certain precautionary measures such as the 15-person maximum gathering restriction.

New York
The Southern District of New York has suspended notice all civil and criminal jury trials until further. While case-related activities and naturalizations will continue, other noncase activities such as Continuing Legal Education events and school visits are canceled until further notice. Courthouses reopened for those who have official court business as of June 6, but most proceedings are still being handled remotely.

All bankruptcy hearings and conferences scheduled to be held in the courthouses of the Manhattan Division, White Plains Division and Poughkeepsie Division of the bankruptcy court will be conducted by telephone unless the presiding judge decides otherwise.

The court urges counsel to check individual judges’ webpages for possible orders, including orders extending time in civil matters and adjourning conferences.

Those who have had COVID-19 symptoms in the past two weeks, have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have come into contact with the virus in the past two weeks are prohibited from entering the district’s courthouses. Anyone in the courthouse is required to wear a face mask. Other health measures are also in place, including social distancing, occupancy restrictions and hygiene requirements.

In the Eastern District of New York, all petit jury selections and jury trials scheduled to start before Sept. 14 are postponed, as are grand jury selections. Compliance with trial deadlines is left to the presiding judge’s discretion. In-person attorney admission ceremonies at all courthouses are suspended until further notice. For all criminal matters that had preliminary hearings before magistrate judges scheduled for April 27 through June 15, preliminary hearing deadlines were extended 60 days after the initial appearance.

The district is allowing video or telephone conferencing for several types of proceedings, including detention hearings, initial appearances and arraignments.

Access to court buildings is restricted to “those whose presence is essential,” according to an order. The court is prohibiting those who have traveled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan or South Korea and a slew of European countries in the past two weeks. Also prohibited are those who have come into close contact with anyone who has traveled to those countries within the past two weeks, have been asked to self-quarantine, tested positive for the coronavirus or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive.

In the Northern District of New York, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials — including for grand juries — scheduled to begin through Aug. 10 are postponed until further notice. Other criminal matters before magistrate judges will continue to take place as usual. All mass public gatherings, including naturalization ceremonies, are suspended. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. Face masks are required in courthouses.

In the Western District of New York, courthouses are open with certain limitations. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. Anyone not wearing a mask will also be prohibited. Criminal matters may take place in-person or remotely, and grand jury returns may take place remotely. The office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may perform administrative naturalization ceremonies until further notice.

For state courts, new civil and criminal jury trials were suspended as of March 16. Jury selection is also halted, and grand juries will not be impaneled “absent exceptional circumstances,” although current grand juries will remain on duty along with some trial jurors. Cases may be filed electronically in those counties starting May 18. Social distancing and other measures will be enforced, and anyone entering the courthouses will be required to wear a mask. Nonemployee court visitors will be required to undergo COVID-19 screening before entering a courthouse. 

As of June 26, all courts outside New York City began Phase 3 of the reopening, which expands the types of proceedings to be heard in person to include a limited number of civil bench trials and preliminary hearings in criminal cases for defendants held in jail on felony complaints.

Starting May 25, the state began allowing electronic filings in all state courts. Judges and designated staff in state courts in New York City may return to their courthouses as of June 10, and as of June 24, the city will enter Phase 2 of a return to in-person operations. Phase 2 includes more virtual courtrooms in Family Court and an increase in nonjudicial staffing levels to accommodate more foot traffic. Grand juries may convene in New York City beginning Aug. 10.

The U.S. Court of International Trade in Manhattan is prohibiting entry to those who have visited China, Italy, Iran or South Korea in the past two weeks, as well as those who have been asked to self-quarantine. The restriction also applies to those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive. The court is allowing teleconferencing and video conferencing with the approval of a presiding judge.

North Carolina
In the Eastern District of North Carolina, certain proceedings may be conducted remotely. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from visiting any courthouse without permission from the chief judge.

In the Middle District of North Carolina, all civil trials scheduled to begin before Aug. 3 are postponed until further notice. Criminal jury trials are postponed until Aug. 3, unless ordered otherwise by a presiding judge. Grand jury proceedings may continue as of June 8, and naturalization ceremonies are postponed until Aug. 3. As of May 13, judges may begin to conduct certain proceedings in court. Face masks are required in courthouse public spaces.

In the Western District of North Carolina, in-person hearings and trials may take place at the discretion of the presiding judge. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, been in contact with someone who has the virus or have had symptoms in the past two weeks are not permitted to enter courthouses. The restriction also applies to those who have traveled outside the U.S. or to a quarantined area in the past two weeks.

In the state court system, no jury trials will be held until after July 31. Filings in criminal matters and filings due under a statute of limitation or statute of repose are extended to July 31. Filings due in appellate courts between March 27 and April 30 were extended by 60 days. Notices of appeal due to be filed between March 16 and June 1 must be filed by June 30. Anyone who has likely been exposed to COVID-19 should not enter a courthouse.

North Dakota
In the District of North Dakota, criminal jury trials scheduled between March 16 and July 31 are postponed, as are trial specific deadlines in criminal cases. Face coverings are required in federal courthouses.

In the state court system, some presiding judges of North Dakota’s eight judicial districts have issued orders or other guidance on court operations during the pandemic.

Northern Mariana Islands
In the District of the Northern Mariana Islands, all scheduled civil and criminal jury selections and trials are postponed until further notice. All grand jury proceedings are postponed unless otherwise ordered by the chief judge. The schedule for all other civil and criminal hearings will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge. All noncase proceedings, including naturalization ceremonies, are postponed. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering the courthouse.

Ohio
In the Southern District of Ohio, courthouses in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton reopened to the public June 1. The court will be available for some on-site proceedings but will make efforts to minimize those. Masks are required to enter the courthouses, and visitors will be subject to temperature screenings. Grand jury proceedings were allowed to resume as of June 1, with social distancing.

In the Northern District of Ohio, courthouses are closed to the public through July 31. Civil and criminal jury trials will begin no earlier than August. The court will continue to handle proceedings remotely. If in-person proceedings are necessary, they will be limited to 10 people, with social distancing. Face masks are required in courthouses. The clerk’s office intake windows are closed, but electronic filings can be made. Filings can also be submitted by mail or, in an emergency, submitted to EmergencyFiling@ohnd.uscourts.gov.

The Ohio Supreme Court has provided guidance for state courts, including waiving appearances for pretrial hearings and using video conferencing or other technology to conduct proceedings including arraignments, hearings, pretrial hearings and probation meetings.

Oklahoma
In the Northern District of Oklahoma, all civil and criminal matters scheduled for in-court appearances are postponed until further notice, as are their related deadlines. All grand jury proceedings are postponed until further notice. Case-by-case exceptions to nonjury matters may be ordered. Civil and criminal motions that can be resolved without oral argument are unaffected.

In the Western District of Oklahoma, civil and criminal jury trials on the June docket are postponed and will be reset by the presiding judge, who will also handle trial-related deadlines. Courthouse visitors are required to wear cloth face coverings. Most civil hearings will be conducted remotely. Some criminal proceedings will be held in-person or remotely, as appropriate.

In the Eastern District of Oklahoma, jury trials are postponed through Aug. 3, with the exception of certain pilot trials. Grand jury proceedings and naturalization ceremonies may go forward with precautionary screening, social distancing and personal protective equipment measures in place. Those who have COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering the courthouse. Masks are required to enter the courthouse.

On the state side, the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals ordered that civil and criminal jury trials be rescheduled on the next available jury docket after July 31. Starting May 16, all rules, procedures and deadlines will be enforced. The period from March 16 to May 15 will be treated as a tolling period. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courtroom or other facility used by the state courts.

Oregon
In the District of Oregon, civil and criminal jury selections, trials, and other matters, including grand jury proceedings, may take place as of July 16, as long as proceedings can be conducted in compliance with health advisories. Face masks are required in courthouses. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, have been asked to self-quarantine within the past two weeks or have had close physical contact with someone who has tested positive in the last two weeks are prohibited from entering the District’s courthouses.

In the state court system, courts in areas where the governor has authorized phase 1 reopening status may conduct in-person bench trials and other proceedings except for jury trials, as of June 1, if certain staffing and social distancing requirements are met. In courts in areas where the governor has authorized gatherings of 50 people or more in one location, courts may conduct jury trials as of July 1, if certain staffing and social distancing requirements are met.

Pennsylvania
In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, all civil and criminal jury trials and grand jury selections are postponed through Aug. 31. The court said impaneled grand juries may possibly resume meeting in July. The deadlines for filing an indictment are postponed through either July 31 or the time when a requisite quorum of grand jurors is obtained, whichever is earlier. Access to courthouses is limited to judges, court personnel and those attending court proceedings or who have other official business with the court. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering courthouses. Courthouse visitors must wear a face mask when entering the building and when in public areas of the courthouse. Face masks will be provided for visitors who do not have their own.

In the Western District of Pennsylvania, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to begin before Sept. 8 are postponed until further notice. All trial-specific deadlines remain in effect unless altered by the presiding judge. Judges are encouraged to handle proceedings remotely. Criminal matters before magistrate judges may continue, and naturalization proceedings may continue in conformity with public health advisories.

In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the court began a phased reopening, which it is monitoring on a 15-day evaluation cycle. Various types of criminal proceedings may be conducted remotely. Face masks are required in public areas of the courthouse.

In the state court system, jury trials are suspended until further notice. The state Supreme Court ordered all county courts to resume various court operations while prioritizing critical matters and encouraging remote proceedings that allow public access.

Puerto Rico
In the District of Puerto Rico, certain proceedings will be conducted remotely. Employees and visitors are required to wear face masks on the premises of the Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse and the Federico Degetau Federal Office Building in Hato Rey. The intake area of the bankruptcy court will be closed to the public until Aug. 5.

Rhode Island
In the District of Rhode Island, the courthouse building at One Exchange Terrace, Providence, is closed to the public until further notice. The court operations in the John O. Pastore Building in Providence will be closed Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be open for limited purposes only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The presiding judge’s case manager will cancel all in-person civil matters and arrange remote hearings where possible. All grand jury proceedings and ongoing criminal hearings are postponed unless the person’s liberty interests are involved. Civil and criminal jury selections and trials are postponed until July.

Those who are required to appear in Rhode Island’s district court, including those who are called as jurors, must contact the court before appearing if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. Those who have traveled to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea in the past two weeks are prohibited from entering the courthouse, as are those who may have been exposed to the virus.

In the state Superior Court system, civil and criminal jury trials are postponed until at least Aug. 1, and bench trials are postponed until at least July 1. Grand jury proceedings may begin as of May 18. Nonemergency matters that can’t be handled remotely may be conducted in person on a limited basis, with staggered calendars, social distancing and face mask protocols. The court will also continue to conduct proceedings remotely. Statutes of limitation are not tolled.

In the state Supreme Court, those who need additional time to file papers can file a motion consistent with Article I of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. All papers can be filed electronically at SupremeCourtClerksOffice@courts.ri.gov.

South Carolina
In the District of South Carolina, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to start through July 5 are postponed until further notice. All grand jury proceedings scheduled through July 5 are postponed unless otherwise noted by the chief judge. In all civil cases, deadlines are extended 21 days, but statutes of limitation are not tolled. All other civil and criminal matters scheduled for an in-court appearance before July 5 are postponed, unless the matter can be resolved remotely.

In the state court system, judges may hear pending nonjury matters. All jury trials are postponed and all large gatherings are canceled until further notice. Hearings that can be held by video may be held remotely. In-person hearings will occur only when remote hearings are not feasible. In the appellate courts, oral arguments and hearings will be handled remotely. County grand jury proceedings may be held in person with certain safety measures as of June 1.

South Dakota
In the District of South Dakota, nonjury matters will proceed as scheduled unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge, and parties are encouraged to participate remotely where possible.

The South Dakota Supreme Court declared a judicial emergency and authorized the presiding judges of the state’s seven judicial circuits to adopt rules and orders regarding court operations. Each circuit put forward policies to address requests from high-risk individuals to be excused from in-person court appearances.

Tennessee
In the Eastern District of Tennessee, limited civil and criminal jury trials may resume after June 14, at the court’s discretion. Proceedings will be held remotely when possible. Grand juries will convene as directed by the court.

In the Western District of Tennessee, civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled to start on or before July 31 are postponed until further notice. The court has started a phased resumption of in-person proceedings, although proceedings should be held remotely as much as possible. Everyone in a courtroom must wear a face mask. Limited grand jury proceedings are permitted. The public counters in the clerk of court offices in the Eastern and Western divisions will remain closed, and the court encourages attorneys and litigants to review procedures for court business as outlined in an April order.

In the Middle District of Tennessee, criminal jury selections and jury trials are postponed through July 17. Civil jury trials will proceed as scheduled. Grand jury proceedings are postponed through July 17, as are related deadlines. The court will not conduct public naturalization ceremonies before July 17.

In the state court system, jury trials are suspended through July 3. Most in-person proceedings are also suspended, with certain exceptions for criminal defendants and emergency situations. Deadlines set to expire between March 13 and May 31 were extended through June 5, including statutes of limitation, orders of protection and temporary injunctions. The Tennessee Supreme Court said it anticipates there will be no further extension of those deadlines.

Texas
The Northern District of Texas has postponed all civil and criminal bench and jury trials until further notice, except for one specific case. Grand jury proceedings may resume under conditions directed by the court.

In the Southern District of Texas, civil and criminal jury trials in the Victoria Division were postponed through June 30. Civil and criminal jury trials in the Corpus Christi Division are postponed through Aug. 3. Civil and criminal jury trials in the McAllen Division are postponed through July 3, and noncase-specific events in that division are canceled through the same date. The Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse in Houston and the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Galveston are open to the public as of July 13. Jury trials scheduled from July 8 until Sept. 8 are postponed to a date to be reset by each presiding judge. The impanelment of new Houston and Galveston grand juries before Sept. 8 will be reset by the court. Remote proceedings in those courts are encouraged when feasible.

During the closure to the public, employees and contractors who enter either the Houston or Galveston courthouses must wear masks in public areas of the buildings. Courthouses in the Laredo and Brownsville divisions are closed to the public until further notice. All jury trials in the Laredo Division scheduled to start on or before July 31 are postponed. Individual judges in the Laredo Division may continue to hold bench trials, in-person hearings, sentencing proceedings, scheduling conferences and other court proceedings, although the court encourages those proceedings to occur remotely.

In the Eastern District of Texas, attorneys and parties were ordered to communicate if court proceedings could cause someone to come into contact with an individual exposed to or infected with the coronavirus. Those who have symptoms, have tested positive for the coronavirus and those who may have come in contact with the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse.

The Western District of Texas postponed proceedings in all civil and criminal bench and jury trials scheduled to begin through July 31. The postponements do not include any deadlines except for trial dates. Grand jury proceedings may resume on or after July 1. Parties are encouraged to participate in nonsentencing proceedings by telephone or video. Other events such as tours and naturalization ceremonies that were scheduled to take place before July 31 are canceled.

In the state court system, jury proceedings are prohibited until Sept. 1, but judges may request a limited number of trials to commence with certain guidelines. Deadlines for civil case filings between March 13 and Aug. 1 are extended to Sept. 15, excluding appellate deadlines. Individual courts may modify or suspend all civil and criminal deadlines until Sept. 30.

U.S. Virgin Islands
In the District of the Virgin Islands, all civil and criminal jury and bench trials scheduled through July 15 are postponed until further notice. The 30-day time period for filing an indictment is tolled through July 15. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from visiting the courthouses.

The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands ordered that all in-person court proceedings except for jury trials may resume on June 15 as long as participants can adhere to social distancing rules. In-person jury trials may be held with social distancing as of Aug. 1 at the judge’s discretion. All documents that were due to be filed to any judicial branch entity between March 23 and June 14 were due on June 15, although attorneys and litigants who do not need the time extension are encouraged to file before then. The period from March 23 to June 14 is excluded when determining the time to file a notice of appeal and other legal dates.

Utah
In the District of Utah, all civil and criminal jury trials are postponed through Aug. 1. All trial-related deadlines in criminal trials scheduled to begin trial before Aug. 1 are postponed. Judges can postpone trial-related deadlines in civil cases at their discretion. All grand jury proceedings are temporarily suspended.

All currently scheduled hearings in criminal cases are postponed through Aug. 1.

In the state court system, those with symptoms of COVID-19 and those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus are not allowed to enter any courthouse. The Utah Supreme Court directed state court judges to grant motions for extensions of time liberally. Hearings will be conducted remotely or on the papers, “absent exigent circumstances,” according to the state Supreme Court’s order. District Court and Justice Court judges were directed to suspend all criminal and civil jury trials until after June 1.

Vermont
In the District of Vermont, anyone in public spaces of the courthouse must wear a mask. At individual judges’ discretion, in-person hearings in criminal and civil cases may resume on a limited basis in Burlington after May 25 and in Rutland after June 8. Remote hearings will be conducted as often as possible. No civil or criminal trials will be scheduled before Sept. 1, except as ordered by the presiding judge in a particular case.

In the state court system, criminal jury trials are suspended until Sept. 1, and civil jury trials are suspended until Jan. 1, 2021. Nonemergency hearings may resume as of June 1.

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering state courthouses.

Virginia
In the Eastern District of Virginia, nonemergency in-person proceedings may begin on June 11, depending on local circumstances, with social distancing and face masks required in courthouse common areas. Judges will continue to handle proceedings remotely as much as possible.

In the Western District of Virginia certain in-person proceedings — including civil and criminal bench trials, misdemeanor, traffic and petty offense proceedings, and other civil and criminal hearings — may resume on June 29, depending on local circumstances of each division and the discretion of the presiding judge. Social distancing measures and a face mask requirement will be in place. The court will conduct remote proceedings as much as possible. Criminal jury trials may resume on July 13. Civil jury trials will resume on Aug. 31. Naturalization ceremonies are suspended until Sept. 30.

In the state court system, the Virginia Supreme Court and Rose Lafoon Building in Richmond are closed to the public until further notice. In all cases in District and Circuit courts, statutes of limitation and other case-related deadlines are tolled through July 19. Courts are encouraged to hear matters remotely, although they can hear in-person nonemergency matters and nonjury cases at their discretion if they follow certain guidelines. All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended through at least July 19. The Court of Appeals will conduct remote arguments through at least June 30. Individuals who have had symptoms of COVID-19, have traveled internationally, tested positive for the coronavirus or have been in close contact with anyone in those categories in the past two weeks are prohibited from entering state courthouses. Everyone over the age of 10 must wear a face mask when entering courthouses.

Washington
In the Western District of Washington, all in-person civil and criminal hearings and trial dates scheduled to occur before Aug. 3 are postponed until further notice. Individual judges may decide to proceed with remote conferences as appropriate. All grand jury proceedings scheduled before Aug. 3 are postponed. All initial criminal appearances and detention hearings will be conducted remotely with the defendant’s permission, unless the court directs otherwise. The bankruptcy court will continue with scheduled nonevidentiary hearings by telephone as posted on www.wawb.uscourts.gov and announced by the individual bankruptcy judge.

In the Eastern District of Washington, all Yakima grand jury sessions through July 31 are vacated. The period from June 23 to July 31 is excluded from speedy trial calculations in pending criminal cases. Visitors must wear masks to enter the William O. Douglas Federal Building in Yakima. Naturalization ceremonies are canceled through July 31. The clerk’s office in Spokane is open and physically accessible to the public, effective June 1. The clerk’s offices in Yakima and Richland are open but not physically accessible to the public through July 31. Staff will be available by telephone, mail will be received, and new filings will be processed. Those seeking to make in-person filings or payments may leave those materials in designated drop boxes at the guard stations in the entryway of each courthouse.

In the state court system, new jury trials may begin as of July 6, and the use of remote technology is encouraged for jury selection.

Washington, D.C.
In the District Court for the District of Columbia, all civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials set to start before September 8 are postponed until further notice. Grand jury proceedings resumed in late June on a limited schedule. Other proceedings, besides jury trials, scheduled to occur before August 17 are postponed unless they are held remotely. Statutes of limitation are unaffected. The court expects to resume conducting naturalization ceremonies as of August 17.

The D.C. Superior Court has only four courtrooms operating to hear adult arraignments and presentments, family court emergencies, neglect and juvenile initial hearings, criminal and domestic violence emergencies, and civil, probate and tax emergencies. Most of the hearings are conducted remotely.

The D.C. Court of Appeals ordered that oral arguments may resume remotely on a limited basis as of May 26. All oral arguments scheduled for June will be heard remotely. The courthouse is closed to the public through June 30. Those entering court buildings must wear face masks. Those with COVID-19 symptoms should not enter the courthouse.

In the Court of Federal Claims, members of the public may access the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building and connecting buildings on a case-by-case basis until Aug. 14. Individuals must submit case filings either through the U.S. Postal Service or by deposit in the court’s night box, which is located at the garage entrance on H Street NW between 15th Street and Madison Place. Pro se plaintiffs may also file documents via email to ProSe_case_filings@cfc.uscourts.gov.

The U.S. Tax Court building is closed until further notice, although mail delivery has resumed.

West Virginia
In the Northern District of West Virginia, those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. Grand jury sessions scheduled on or before June 30 are suspended, with an exception for special grand jury sessions. The period from April 17 through June 30 can be excluded from speedy trial calculations.

In the Southern District of West Virginia, civil and criminal petit jury selections and trials are postponed through June 30. Petit and grand jury selections and trials may begin as of July 1. All civil and criminal proceedings may be conducted in person with social distancing. Courthouses will be open to the general public as of July 1. Masks are strongly encouraged for those entering the courthouse. Those who tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse.

In the state court system, all in-person proceedings and court deadlines are stayed through May 15, except for certain emergency proceedings. Deadlines set to expire between March 23 and May 15, including statutes of limitation, are extended to May 18. In-person proceedings may resume on or after May 18. Grand jury proceedings may resume on or after June 15, and jury trials may commence on or after June 29. The court is still permitting and encouraging remote proceedings where appropriate.

Wisconsin
In the Eastern District of Wisconsin, judges may resume in-person scheduling for civil and criminal jury trials, petty offense hearings and all criminal hearings in which the defendant does not consent to proceeding remotely, beginning July 2. Also starting July 2, parties seeking exclusions of time under the Speedy Trial Act must make specific requests to the presiding judge. Naturalization ceremonies scheduled for before Sept. 30 are canceled. There are face mask and social distancing requirements for the courthouse. Those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or may have come into contact with the virus in the past two weeks are prohibited from visiting the courthouse.

In the Western District of Wisconsin, jury trials are suspended through June 30. The court expects all pretrial deadlines to remain in place. Some in-person criminal proceedings may be held at the Robert W. Kastenmeier Courthouse in Madison, if necessary. Anyone entering the courthouse must wear a face mask.

In the state court system, all civil and criminal jury trials in each Circuit Court are postponed until that court prepares a plan to resume in-person proceedings and the plan is approved by the chief judge of the applicable judicial administrative district.

Wyoming
In the District of Wyoming, judges are conducting matters remotely where possible. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus — including those who have recently visited Iran, China, South Korea or a host of European countries — are prohibited from entering the courthouse.

In the state court system, all District and Circuit courts have suspended in-person proceedings, as well as the state Supreme Court, have suspended in-person proceedings until Aug. 3, with certain exceptions. The Wyoming Supreme Court ordered that all civil trials in state courts be rescheduled and that the courts make reasonable attempts to reschedule criminal trials. The Wyoming Supreme Court building in Cheyenne is closed to the public. The rules requiring paper copies of documents that can be filed electronically are suspended in the Wyoming Supreme Court.

IMMIGRATION COURTS
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review has postponed all immigration court hearings for immigrants who aren’t in detention through July 17, except when announced otherwise, although hearings on the detained docket are continuing.

The Fort Worth, Texas, immigration court and four immigration courts in Arizona are fully closed. Filings intended for the closed Arizona courts — Phoenix, Eloy, Tucson and Florence — may be sent to the Las Vegas immigration court instead. The Louisville, Kentucky, immigration court has been closed since August for reasons unrelated to the virus, but filers can submit to the Memphis immigration court.

Filings in closed courts may also be submitted by email, EOIR has announced.

These 25 courts are fully open: Adelanto, California; Aurora, Colorado; Batavia, New York; Boston; Buffalo, New York; Conroe, Texas; Dallas; Elizabeth, New Jersey; El Paso, Texas, Special Processing Center; Falls Church, Virginia, Immigration Adjudication Center; Fishkill, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; Honolulu; LaSalle, Louisiana; Las Vegas; Miami Krome; New Orleans; Oakdale, Louisiana; Otera, New Mexico; Pearsall, Texas; Port Isabel, Texas; Stewart, Georgia; Tacoma, Washington; Ulster, New York, and York, Pennsylvania.

The remainder of immigration courts have been kept partially open, and in some cases reopened, for the limited purpose of accepting filings, and if applicable, holding hearings for detained immigrants.

Read more at: https://www.law360.com/articles/1252836/coronavirus-the-latest-court-closures-and-restrictions?copied=1