COVID-19 — LITIGATING IN THE “NEW NORMAL” ENVIRONMENT

DC AREA COURTS

 

United States Supreme Court

 

On April 13, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued the following announcement:

 

The Court will hear oral arguments by telephone conference on May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in a limited number of previously postponed cases. The following cases will be assigned argument dates after the Clerk’s Office has confirmed the availability of counsel:

 

18-9526, McGirt v. Oklahoma

19-46, United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com B.V.

19-177, Agency for International Development v. Alliance for Open Society International, Inc.

19-267, Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru, and 19-348, St. James School v. Biel

19-431, Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania, and 19-454, Trump v. Pennsylvania

19-465, Chiafalo v. Washington

19-518, Colorado Department of State v. Baca

19-631, Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants, Inc.

19-635, Trump v. Vance

19-715, Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP, and 19-760, Trump v. Deutsche Bank AG

In keeping with public health guidance in response to COVID-19, the Justices and counsel will all participate remotely. The Court anticipates providing a live audio feed of these arguments to news media. Details will be shared as they become available.

 

The Court Building remains open for official business, but most Court personnel are teleworking. The Court Building remains closed to the public until further notice.

 

https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_04-13-20

 

Recent decisions are posted on the Court’s website.

 

On April 30, 2020, the Court announced that it will hear oral arguments by telephone conference on May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in a limited number of previously postponed cases. The Court will provide a live audio feed of the arguments to FOX News (the network pool chair), the Associated Press, and C-SPAN, and they will in turn provide a feed to livestream on various media platforms. The oral argument audio and a transcript of the oral arguments will be posted on the Court’s website each day.

 

https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_04-30-20

 

 

Washington, D.C.

 

D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals

 

• Postponement of Oral Argument. Pursuant to the state of emergency declared in the District of Columbia, on March 17, 2020 the Court suspended all in-person oral argument. Scheduled arguments will either be postponed, proceed by teleconference, or be decided without oral argument, by discretion of the deciding panel.

 

• Access to Courthouse. Effective March 11, 2020, access to the courthouse is restricted to judges, court staff, members of the media, and “persons with official business” with the DC federal district and bankruptcy courts or the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

• Effective April 27, 2020, any person entering the courthouse must wear a facial mask.

 

https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/home.nsf/Content/COVID-19+Response+-+Information+and+Announcements

 

• Effective June 22, 2020, paper copies of briefs and appendices that have already been filed electronically are now due on or before Thursday, July 2, 2020. Paper copies of briefs and appendices that are filed electronically between Monday, June 22, 2020, and Monday, June 29, 2020, are due on or before Thursday, July 2, 2020. Paper copies of briefs and appendices that are filed electronically on or after Tuesday, June 30, 2020, are due in the normal course. 

 

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

 

This is a national court located in Washington, D.C. It handles all patent case appeals; Tucker Act takings cases; and appeals from the United States Court of Federal Claims.

 

• Remote Proceedings.

 

All cases scheduled for June 2020 will be conducted by telephone. No in person hearings are being held. On April 21, 2020, the Court announced that all oral arguments during the Court’s May 2020 session will be held telephonically.

 

The Court is providing public and media access to live audio of each panel scheduled for argument April, May, and June 2020. The information is posted on the Court’s website every morning. Recordings are also available at the end of the day.

 

The Court has also requested that any questions to the Clerk’s office be emailed.

 

• Filings and Deadlines.

 

All deadlines remain in place.

 

Filing is to be done electronically. The Clerk’s Office continues to accept documents that can only be filed by paper and filings from parties who are not permitted to file electronically. These filings will continue to be received by U.S. Postal Mail, third-party commercial carriers, or at the court’s night box. The Court has also allowed pro se parties to email their filings.

 

Chief Judge Margaret M. Sweeney signed an Administrative Order on May 12, 2020, indicating that all case proceedings will be held via telephone or video conference until June 15, 2020, unless express permission is granted by the Chief Judge. See official Order.

 

District of Columbia Superior Court

 

• Court Operations.

 

The Superior Court is holding hearings in the following types of cases starting on May 26, 2020: temporary restraining orders; pretrial, motions, status hearings and scheduling conferences in Civil 1 and Civil 2 cases; certain criminal matters; domestic violence cases; family court matters; and certain probate matters. Most of the hearings are conducted remotely.

 

All other trials, hearings, appearances, and other matters scheduled through June 19, 2020 are continued, with new dates to be determined.

 

https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/General%20Order%20pdf/Amended-Order-5-14-20.pdf

 

On June 15, 2020, the court issued their Third Criminal Division Standing Order for requesting hearings.

 

https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/General%20Order%20pdf/July-15-2020-Amended-Standing-order-scheduling-of-hearings.pdf

 

• Filings and Deadlines.

 

All Divisions, including the Family Court, are open for filing of pleadings. Electronic filing will continue, and the Superior Court will rule on motions that can be decided without a hearing.

 

All deadlines and time limits that would otherwise expire before May 15, 2020, including statutes of limitation, are tolled and extended during the period of the declared judicial emergency, with certain exceptions listed in the Court’s May 14, 2020 order: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/General%20Order%20pdf/Amended-Order-5-14-20.pdf

 

• Clerk’s Offices Operating Remotely.

 

All Superior Court clerk’s offices have no on-site staff, and are operating remotely. Beginning on June 8, 2020, the Court will start accepting payments for certain court fees and costs using a new electronic portal. All information is available at https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/Superior-Court-Clerks-Offices-Remote-Operations.pdf

 

https://www.dccourts.gov/coronavirus

 

 

Virginia

 

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

 

• EDVA General Order 2020-14

 

The Court has found it necessary and appropriate to adopt a face covering and social distancing policy for all Courthouse employees, contractors, and visitors.

 

Per General Order 2020-14, ALL individuals intending to appear in person in the Courthouses in our District, to include employees, vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, stakeholders from other agencies, and members of the public, shall be required to:

 

(1) wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth continuously when in public areas and shared common spaces in our Courthouses, to include hallways, entrance foyers, and courtrooms. Inside of each courtroom, the presiding judge may permit removal of face coverings for the purposes of facilitating a hearing or otherwise promoting the functioning and effective operation of the Court, with efforts made to ensure that individuals permitted to remove their face coverings stay at least six feet apart from other individuals;

 

(2) engage in social distancing within our Courthouses whenever possible, which involves staying at least six feet apart from other individuals; and

 

(3) stay home if you are sick.

 

Any visitor seeking entry to our Courthouses without a face covering will be denied entry by security staff and will be asked to contact the office/chambers to be visited and determine whether alternate arrangements can be made to accomplish the business needs of the visitor without entry to the Courthouse.

 

• Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 983

 

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has issued an order providing extensions to certain deadlines relating to the administrative and civil judicial asset forfeiture proceedings within this District. Such order was issued upon motion by the United States and in response to the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, to include the health risks and endangerment to the life and safety of government asset forfeiture attorneys and staff who are responsible for reviewing cases, issuing notices, and processing claims.

 

For more detailed information, please see the Courts Order by visiting www.vaed.uscourts.gov. or Case No. 2:20-mc-9.

 

• EDVA General Order 2020-14 and 2020-15

 

1) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to supplement steps previously taken by this Court to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and to slow the spread of the disease, the Court finds it necessary and appropriate to adopt a face covering and social distancing policy for all Courthouse employees, contractors, and visitors. Please see General Order 2020-14 In re: FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING IN COURTHOUSES ACROSS THE DISTRICT

 

2) In response to recent developments, to include the Courts increased capabilities to conduct remote proceedings and thereby reduce the risk that all Courthouses in the District would be rendered unusable at the same time, the Court has determined that it is no longer necessary for the U.S. Courthouse in Newport News to serve as the Emergency Judicial Center for the District, as was previously directed by General Order No. 2020-10. As such, beginning on May 26, 2020, the U.S. Courthouse in Newport News will be reopened to the public and to all employees, subject to the same restrictions on proceedings and visitors as all other Courthouses in the District. Please see General Order 2020-15 In re: CESSATION OF THE U.S. COURTHOUSE IN NEWPORT NEWS AS THE DISTRICTS EMERGENCY JUDICIAL CENTER

 

• Continuance of In-Person Court Proceedings and Extension of Filing Deadlines

 

All civil and criminal in-person proceedings scheduled to occur through June 10, 2020 are continued, with the exception of certain critical or emergency proceedings. This includes all trials, hearings, settlement conferences, and appearances.

 

Starting on June 11, 2020, in-person proceedings will no longer be limited to critical or emergency proceedings. Judges will continue to use video and teleconferencing to the extent possible. No criminal jury trials will be conducted prior to July 7, 2020. Grand juries may be utilized again on June 11, 2020. No civil jury trials will be conducted until further notice.

 

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/notices/Gen%20Order%202020-16%20Phased%20Expansion%20of%20Court%20Operations.pdf

 

• Remote Proceedings. The District Court has adopted a temporary policy authorizing the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for certain criminal case events.

 

As to criminal proceedings, on April 16, 2020 the District Court ordered that the US Probation Office make those pretrial services reports issued prior to a defendant’s pretrial release or detention hearing (i.e. bond reports) electronically available to the attorneys of record, via a special ECF filer login.

 

Beginning the week of April 20, 2020, the District Court will use the Zoomgov application as an option for judges for remote videoconference proceedings. Prior to the hearing, authorized parties will receive e-mail invitations containing the necessary information to gain online access. For more information, see http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/zoomgov/index.html.

 

Live Audio-Stream. The E.D. Va. is concerned about preserving the public’s access to judicial proceedings, which is a constitutional right. To preserve public access to court proceedings conducted remotely, the Court is implementing a teleconference service by which members of the public and press can use a toll-free telephone line to listen in remotely to a live audio-stream of proceedings.

 

Members of the public, including the press, may not participate in the Zoomgov videoconference, but may listen in via teleconference access using phone numbers and access codes provided on the District Court’s website. See http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/zoomgov/Steps%20to%20Participate%20-%20Remote%20Teleconference.pdf.

 

Anyone accessing a court proceeding via the live audio stream is prohibited from recording, rebroadcasting, live-streaming, or otherwise disseminating video or audio of the proceeding.

 

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/covid-19.html

 

 

• On April 10, 2020, the Court issued the following General Order:

 

All civil and criminal in-person proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, including court appearances, trials, hearings, and settlement conferences, scheduled to occur through June 10, 2020, with the exception of critical or emergency proceedings, are POSTPONED, subject to the conditions set forth in this General Order. The instant General Order does not postpone any remote proceedings scheduled by a presiding judge in any civil or criminal case.

 

This General Order puts the federal court in alignment with Virginia Gov. Northam’s directive that essentially locks down most of Virginia until June 10.

 

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/notices/Gen%20Order%202020-12%20Court%20Operations%20Updated%20Notices.pdf

 

On May 14, 2020, the Court announced that face coverings will be required for anyone entering the courtroom.

 

On May 16, 2020, the Court announced that the Richmond courthouse will be open on May 18, 2020.

 

On May 26, 2020, the Court announced the anticipated timeline for the phased expansion of the Court Operations for the Eastern District, which is expected to begin June 11, 2020.

 

On June 5, 2020, in anticipation of the phased expansion of the court operations expected to begin on June 11, 2020, updated notices have been released for Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond courthouses. These notices will be posted outside of each respective U.S. Courthouse in the district. These notices will cover who may and may not be permitted to enter the courthouse and the requirements of individuals when inside the courthouse.

 

On June 26, 2020, due to the spiking cases of COVID-19 sweeping the country, general order No. 2020-18 was issued reauthorizing the use of video conferencing, or alternatively, telephone conferencing, in this District for certain criminal proceedings.

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/notices/General%20Order%20No.%202020-18%20-%2090%20day%20CARES%20Act%20Extension.pdf

 

On June 30, 2020, the Court announced the anticipated timeline for the resumption of criminal jury trials for the Eastern District, which is expected to begin September 14, 2020.

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/notices/Gen%20Order%202020-19%20-%20Resumption%20of%20Criminal%20Jury%20Trials.pdf

 

On July 7, 2020, as part of the Court’s anticipated resumption of criminal jury trials in the District, the Court adopted a modified jury summons packet, which was included in General Order 2020-20.

http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/notices/Gen%20Order%202020-20%20Modified%20Jury%20Summons%20Packet%20(7.7.2020).pdf

 

United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia

 

• Continuance of In-Person Court Proceedings and Extension of Filing Deadlines.

 

All civil and criminal in-person proceedings scheduled to occur through June 10, 2020 are continued, with the exception of certain critical or emergency proceedings.

 

All issues concerning pretrial deadlines are to be addressed with the presiding judge.

 

• Remote Proceedings.

 

The District Court has adopted a temporary policy authorizing the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for certain criminal case events.

 

As of April 24, 2020, the usual requirement that a detained defendant’s counsel be physically present for review of a presentence report (or “PSR”) is lifted, to allow for counsel to participate remotely by videoconference or teleconference.

 

http://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/media/31965117/video_teleconferencing_criminal_proceedings_cares_act.pdf

 

On May 1, 2020, the Court suspended the requirement that Pretrial Services Reports be returned to the probation officer at the conclusion of a judicial proceeding. Counsel is required to maintain the confidentiality of Pretrial Services Reports and may not disclose them to others.

 

http://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/media/31965614/public-access-to-proceedings-and-pretrial-services.pdf

 

The District Court’s website provides phone numbers which may be used to access of civil and criminal court proceedings held via videoconference or teleconference. See http://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/court-information/covid-19.aspx.

 

On June 8, 2020, the court adopted a Reopening Plan that will guide court operations on a going forward basis. Phase 1 of this plan lays out the following:

 

• Requires all entrants to wear a face covering and keep social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible.

• Provides a list of individuals who are prohibited from entering the courthouse.

• Recommends that all individuals entering the court to conduct a health assessment.

• Effective June 29, 2020, in-person proceedings may be resumed.

• Criminal jury trials may resume on Monday, July 13, 2020.

• Grand juries may begin to be utilized in all divisions by June 11, 2020.

• Civil jury trials may resume on August 31, 2020.

• Clerk’s Office intake stations will remain closed throughout Phase I. Documents may be filed with the Clerk electronically, by mail or in the secure dropboxes located in the lobby of the Western District’s courthouses

 

On June 26, 2020, due to the spiking cases of COVID-19 sweeping the country, general order No. 2020-15 was issued reauthorizing the use of video conferencing, or alternatively, telephone conferencing, in this District for the criminal proceedings specified in §§ 15002(b)(1) and 15002(b)(2) of the CARES Act, including felony guilty plea and sentencing hearings, as to which the court continues to find that such hearings cannot be conducted in person without seriously jeopardizing public health and safety. This reauthorization will expire on September 27, 2020.

 

On July 10, 2020, due to the spiking cases of COVID-19 sweeping southwest Virginia, the Court issued a Standing order amending Standing orders 2020-10 and 2020-15. This standing order announced the Court will be postponing the resumption of criminal jury trials in this district until August 31, 2020. In addition, the Court is also excluding the time period prior to August 31, 2020 from the Speedy Trial Act calculation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A).

http://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/media/31967083/amended-so-2020-10-and-2020-14.pdf

 

Statewide Declaration of Judicial Emergency

 

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia has issued a declaration of judicial emergency, which is currently extended through June 7, 2020. A copy of the latest order extending the emergency period can be found at: http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0506_scv_order.pdf.

 

The Supreme Court of Virginia also clarified the provisions regarding the tolling of deadlines on May 6, 2020 as part of the Order. The Court unanimously ordered that the tolling provisions of the March 16, March 27, and April 22, and May 1, and June 1 2020 emergency orders, toll the running of any statutory speedy trial period applicable to criminal prosecutions in the courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia from March 16 until June 28 or later if further extended by this Court.

 

On June 1, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia entered the Fifth Order Modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to COVID-19, extending the judicial emergency through June 28, 2020 for all district and circuit courts.. Consistent with the May 12, 2020 Fourth Order, all courts may hear in-person non-emergency matters and non-jury cases if they determine it is safe to do so, and provided they comply with the guidance for transitioning from emergency to routine operations provided by the Office of the Executive Secretary in order to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19 from in-person court proceedings. Additionally, the order states that all persons aged 10 or over entering the courthouse must wear a face covering.. In the courtroom, the presiding judge may authorize removal of a face mask to facilitate a proceeding.

 

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0601_scv_amendment_to_fifth_order.pdf

 

On June 8, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia amended the Fifth Order Modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to COVID-19. This amendment suspended and continued all residential unlawful detainer actions and the issuance of writs of eviction pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-330 through June 28.

 

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0608_scv_amendment_to_fifth_order.pdf

 

On June 22, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia entered the Sixth Order Modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to COVID-19, extending the judicial emergency through July 19, 2020 for all district and circuit courts. The order reads as follows:

 

• Courts shall continue to prioritize emergency matters

 

• Effective June 29, 2020, courts may resume hearing all unlawful detainer actions and issuing writs of eviction.

 

• Courts should continue to conduct as much business as possible by means other than in-person court proceedings. In all civil and criminal matters, courts are encouraged to continue and even increase the use of video conferencing, teleconferencing, email, or other means that do not involve in-person contact.

 

• Deadlines imposed by the Speedy Trial Act, Va. Code § 19.2-243, are tolled during the ongoing Period of Judicial Emergency (March 16, 2020, through July 19, 2020).

 

• All courts are authorized to accept pleadings, orders and other documents that are electronically signed, including those where the electronic signature is accomplished by scanning.

 

• All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended and shall be continued, and no jury trials shall occur in the Commonwealth for the duration of this Order.

 

• Judges should continue to exercise their discretion with regard to holding grand jury proceedings.

 

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0622_scv_sixth_order.pdf

 

On July 8, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia entered the Seventh Order Modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to COVID-19, extending the judicial emergency through August 9, 2020 for all district and circuit courts.  The Seventh Order states that the provisions of the Sixth Order, entered on June 22, 2020, shall continue to apply in all courts of the Commonwealth, except as provided in this Seventh Order. The provisions of the Sixth Order, as amended and modified by the Seventh Order, are as follows:

 

• Deadlines imposed by the Speedy Trial Act, Va. Code § 19.2-243, are tolled during the ongoing period of judicial emergency (March 16, 2020 through August 9, 2020)
• Plans for restarting jury trials shall be submitted by Chief Circuit Court Judges to the Chief Justice. Jury trials may be held as soon as the plan has been submitted and approved by a panel of three Justices in consultation with the Office of the Executive Secretary. No jury trials shall occur in any locality in the Commonwealth for the duration of this Order, unless and until the plan applicable to the locality has been approved by the panel
• Beginning on July 20, 2020, for cases in the district and circuit courts, there shall be no further tolling of statutes of limitation or other case related deadlines.
• Beginning July 20, 2020, there shall be no further tolling of deadlines regarding filings made pursuant to Part Five of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia with the clerk of the circuit court as well as the filing of the petition for appeal in the Supreme Court under Rule 5:17(a)(1).
• The tolling period as a result of the Judicial Emergency for such statutes of limitation and deadlines shall be limited to March 16, 2020 through July 19, 2020.

 

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0708_scv_seventh_order.pdf

 

On July 29, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia entered the Eighth Order that unanimously extends the Declaration of Judicial Emergency through August 30, 2020, and ordered that the provisions of the Seventh Order Extending Declaration Of Judicial Emergency In Response To Covid-19 Emergency, entered on July 8, 2020 (Seventh Order), shall continue to apply in all courts of the Commonwealth for the duration of the Order unless amended by future order.

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0728_scv_eighth_order.pdf

 

On August 7, 2020 the Supreme Court of Virginia issued an amendment to the Eighth Order stating that effective August 10, 2020, and through September 7, 2020, pursuant to Va. Code § 17.1-330, the issuance of writs of eviction pursuant to unlawful detainer actions is suspended and continued. However, this suspension and continuation shall not apply to writs of eviction in unlawful detainer actions that are unrelated to the failure to pay rent.

http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0807_scv_amendment_to_eighth_order.pdf

 

Fairfax County Circuit Court

• Proceedings.

 

On May 18, 2020, the Circuit Court issued its first transition plan.

 

• In civil cases, starting on June 1, 2020, the Court will hear presently scheduled matters and any new, properly noticed matters via video or teleconference. Trials are limited to matters lasting two days or less. The Court resumed its Friday civil non-evidentiary motions practice. Civil evidentiary motions may be scheduled Mondays through Fridays. Parties may continue to request rulings on any motion based on the filed briefs by waiving oral argument. Jury trials may be scheduled starting August 3, 2020.

 

• In criminal cases, starting on June 1, 2020, the Court will resume its Friday criminal motions practice. No jury trials will occur until August 3, 2020.

 

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/sites/circuit/files/assets/documents/pdf/fairfax-cir-ct-first-transition-plan-051820.pdf

 

On May 18, 2020, the Circuit Court issued an order requiring face coverings.

 

• Temporary Procedure to Request Waiver of Oral Argument.

 

The court has implemented a temporary procedure whereby parties may submit motions to be ruled on without oral argument or a court appearance.

 

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/procedures-to-waive-oral-argument

 

• Courtroom Attendance.

For any matter that cannot be continued, courtroom attendance is limited to attorneys, parties, necessary witnesses, interpreters, court personnel and court reporters, bailiffs, and members of the press where permitted by law. Thus, Fairfax County Circuit Court is maintaining a limited right of public access during the pandemic.

 

• Sentencing Dockets.

The courts are transitioning to having defendants from the ADC be present in the courtrooms for sentencing hearings and evidentiary criminal motion proceedings. Counsel for defendants who are not out on bond and who also wish to be in the courtroom for their sentencing hearing should advise the court in a timely fashion so that the court and the sheriff can make the appropriate arrangements to have their clients present in the courtroom. Defendants who are on bond are expected to be present in the courtroom for their hearings unless excused by the court.

 

• Transition Plan.

On July 15, 2020, pursuant to the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Orders “modifying and Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency in Response to Covid-19 Emergency,” as amended, the Fairfax Circuit Court announced their Second Transition Plan. Highlights of the transition plan are as follows:

• All Civil hearings, except for proceedings relating to protective orders, shall be Remote Hearings, absent leave of Court for good cause shown.
• Civil trials are limited to matters lasting four days or less until further notice.
• No Jury Trials for both civil and criminal will occur until further notice.

 

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/sites/circuit/files/assets/documents/pdf/fairfax-cir-ct-second-transition-plan-071620.pdf

 

Alexandria Circuit Court

 

• Suspension of Trials and Motions. All civil and criminal trials are suspended through June 28, 2020, consistent with the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Order extending the declaration of judicial emergency

 

Alexandria Circuit Court is organizing a civil motions day docket for June 24, 2020 to hear non evidentiary motions by remote hearing. Due to Covid-19, any cases that are not filed by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th will not be considered for this docket. For motion day scheduled on 7/8/2020, any motions that are not noticed by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020 will not be considered for this docket. Criminal motions are likewise suspended through June 28, 2020, with the exception of bond motions and bond appeals, which will be held via videoconference. Parties with emergency matters are instructed to contact Judges’ Chambers.

 

• Clerk’s Office Closed. The Clerk’s Office is closed to walk-in service, and parties are encouraged to mail in pleadings.

 

https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/circuit_court/AlexandriaCircuitCourtFourthRevisedMemorandum.pdf

 

 

Arlington Circuit Court

 

• Suspension of Trials. All civil trials are suspended, with status conferences to occur throughout June 2020. See https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/04/COVID-19-Civil-Cases-4-8-2020.pdf.

 

• Criminal trials are likewise suspended, with the parties to be heard on the originally set date to reset the date for trial. See https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/04/COVID-19-Criminal-Cases-4-3-2020.pdf.

 

• Suspension of Motions and Other Matters. All civil and criminal motions are suspended and may be re-noticed pursuant to the court’s local rules.

 

https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/17th-Jud-Cir-Cts-3_18-20Updated-COVID-19-Memo-Final-Version.pdf

 

• Clerk’s Office Closed. The Clerk’s Office is closed to walk-in service, and parties are encouraged to mail in pleadings.

 

• Starting June 8 2020, non-evidentiary motions will be conducted through Microsoft Teams.

 

• On June 8, 2020, the courts released “The 17th Judicial Circuit First Interim Plan to Resume Trials and Hearings.”. This release read as follows:
  • Through September 3, 2020. All jury trial scheduled to commence prior to September 4, 2020 will be removed from the docket and rescheduled.
  • Through September 3, 2020. All bench trials scheduled to commence prior to September 3, 2020 will proceed as scheduled with the expectation that the Court may schedule video hearings.
  • The regular Friday Civil Motions Docket has resumed, and the Court’s local rules continue to apply.
  • All jury trials scheduled in June will be converted to a status hearing to reschedule the matter for jury or such other trial, hearing or disposition as may be appropriate.
  • Bench trials and pleas currently scheduled will proceed as docketed.

Maryland

 

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

 

• Public Access Limited.

 

The public is no longer permitted to enter the courthouse except for litigants with scheduled proceedings, counsel, investigators or employees of counsel, and the press. All persons will be screened for flu-like symptoms.

 

• Court Operations.

 

On March 31, 2020, the Court limited in-court proceedings to Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. The Court remains open for emergency criminal, civil, and bankruptcy matters related to public safety, public health and welfare, and individual liberty.

 

The Clerk’s Office remains open to the public through telephone and via drop boxes located. Electronic filing through CM/ECF remains available.

 

• Extension of Proceedings and Filing Deadlines.

 

All civil, criminal, and bankruptcy proceedings scheduled to occur from March 16, 2020 through June 5, 2020 are postponed unless otherwise ordered.

 

All filing deadlines between March 16, 2020 and June 5, 2020 are extended by 84 days, unless otherwise ordered.

 

Certain discovery in civil cases may proceed as scheduled, provided it does not conflict with public health guidance.

 

The Court has issued Standing Order 2020-11 concerning court operations under the exigent circumstances created by COVID-19. This Order supersedes Standing Order 2020-07, effective June 6, 2020. 

 

https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/sites/mdd/files/2020-11.pdf

 

• Transition Plan

 

On May 22, 2020, the Court issued an order regarding its transition plan, which provided, in relevant part as follows:

 

• • All civil and criminal petit jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence through June 30, 2020, before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the District of Maryland are POSTPONED and CONTINUED.
  • With the exception of the jury trials identified above, all civil and criminal hearings, trials, and proceedings in the Court shall continue as presently scheduled, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge;
  • Some civil jury trials may commence on or after July 1, 2020;
  • Some criminal jury trials may commence on or after August 1, 2020.

 

https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/sites/mdd/files/2020-11.pdf

 

On June 17, 2020, the Court issued an order regarding Phase Two of its recovery plan, effective June 22, 2020.

 

The Recovery Plan is as follows:

 

https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/sites/mdd/files/COVID-19-Order20-Phase2-Attachment.pdf

 

Effective July 20, 2020 the Judiciary entered Phase III of the Return to Full Operations.

 

District Six will begin processing civil matters in Phase III. This will include:

• Affidavit judgments with trial dates prior to March 16. 2020
• Consent Judgments
• Confessed Judgments
• Garnishments
• Civil motions and proceedings that are ripe and do not require a hearing
• Uncontested matters ripe prior to March 16, 2020

 

The following civil matters may be heard during Phase III:

• Wrongful detainer actions (emergency and non-emergency)
• Breach of lease actions
• Tenant holding over actions
• Rent escrow actions (subject to local code inspectors’ ability to provide inspections)
• Warrants of restitution related to judgments in said matters

 

The following matters will proceed after July 25, 2020 (subject to any future legislation/action, Executive Order/action, Court of Appeals Order/action):

• Processing of previously stayed warrants of restitution for failure to pay rent action

 

All State Courts

 

On April 3, 2020, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera published an Administrative Order on Expanding The Statewide Suspension Of Jury Trials And Suspending Grand Juries.

 

https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmdcourts.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fadmin-orders%2F20200403expandingstatewidesuspensionofjurytrialsetc.pdf&data=01%7C01%7Claurin%40samek-law.com%7C91a3ba68740241bdcdc708d7da7aaa70%7C656e13ab7949417ca70d2fbf662251df%7C0&sdata=M7GUZnp4ynqEL%2B4y2XsT3mbLaA%2FLdwR2KC%2BbIwc9sAk%3D&reserved=0

 

Pursuant to the Administrative Order:

 

• All grand juries shall be suspended until further notice, subject to any exception that may be granted on an individual basis by the Chief Judge of the Court ofAppeals.

 

• All civil jury trials in the Circuit Courts throughout the state of Maryland scheduled to begin on or after March 16, 2020, have been and shall be suspended on an emergency basis pending further Order of the Chief Judge of the Court ofAppeals.

 

• All criminal jury trials in the Circuit Courts throughout the state of Maryland scheduled to begin on or after March 16, 2020, have been and shall be suspended on an emergency basis pending further Order of the Chief Judge of the Court ofAppeals.

 

• Any currently scheduled trial date that is at least six weeks after the date that concludes the COVID-19 emergency period as ordered by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals will be maintained, absent further order of the court in which the trial is scheduled.

 

On April 8, 2020, Judge Barbera published an updated order that revised the April 3, 2020 Order to include certain additions related to juvenile shelter care hearings and child in need of assistance matters. The order also added a provision regarding the suspension of notices of contemplated dismissal.

 

https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200408expandingstatewidejudiciaryrestrictedoperationsamended.pdf

 

On April 14, 2020, Judge Barbera published an updated order that revised the April 8, 2020 Order to restrict court operations through June 5, 2020. The Order also provided additional details related to emergency delinquency hearings.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/Extending_RestrictedOperations_04142020.pdf

 

Also, on April 14, 2020, Judge Barbera issued another order, which requires judges to hold prompt hearings for certain categories of cases in which individuals are detained.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/ResponseIncarorImprsned_Person_04142020.pdf

 

On May 4, 2020, Judge Barbera issued two new orders. The orders clarified the tolling of statutes and deadlines.

 

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200504furtherclarifyingstatutesoflimitations.pdf

 

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200504fourthamendedadministrativeorderexpandingandextendinjudiciary restricted operations.pdf

 

On May 22, 2020, Judge Barbera issued several orders regarding the progressive resumption of the full function of judicial operations.

 

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200522progressiveresumptionoffullfunctionofjudiciaryoperations.pdf

 

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200522revisedemergencytollingorsuspensionofstatutesoflimitations.pdf

 

https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200522liftingthestatewidesuspensionofjurytrialsandresuminggrandjuries.pdf

 

On Friday, June 5, the Maryland courts will begin implementing its reopening plan that guides courts across the state of Maryland.

 

https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200522progressiveresumptionoffullfunctionofjudiciaryoperations.pdf

 

Here is a set of answers to Frequently Asked Questions from the Maryland judiciary:

 

https://www.msba.org/faqs-question-set-5-to-judiciary/?utm_source=msba%20weekly&utm_medium=email

 

If COVID-19 conditions allow, the Maryland Judiciary will move to Phase IV on August 31, 2020. Phase IV will mark the resumption of non-jury trials and other contested matters in the District Court of Maryland and circuit courts.

 

Circuit Court for Montgomery County

 

• Court Operations.

 

On March 25, 2020, the Court issued an order restricting the Court to emergency operations, and closed the Court to the public with limited exceptions through May 1, 2020. Thus, as with Maryland’s federal court, the right of public access to judicial proceedings is being significantly curtailed during the crisis.

 

Certain emergency matters would continue to be heard in person or remotely, including emergency criminal, civil, family, and juvenile detention matters, as well as protective orders.

 

As of April 14, 2020, that includes bail reviews and bench warrants; arraignments for detained defendants; juvenile detention hearings; peace order petitions for juvenile respondents; emergency evaluation petitions; quarantine and isolation petitions; extradition cases; body attachments; and extreme risk protective order appeals. Other emergency matters may be heard in the court’s discretion.

 

Any hearings are held virtually, usually by telephone, with videos being used by detention centers. Where reference to documents is necessary, the transmission of documents between locations may be by facsimile, file-sharing programs, or video transmission of sufficient resolution for legibility.

 

All jury trials are postponed.

 

Persons other than media are not permitted in the courthouse except in limited circumstances. The Court is, thus, permitting the news media to be the eyes and ears of the public.

 

On April 15, 2020, the Court issued an order regarding the wearing of face coverings in the courthouse. The relevant portions of the Order are, as follows:

 

ORDERED, that effective on April 20, 2020, all persons entering the Circuit Court for Montgomery County shall wear a face mask, scarf, or other device covering their nose and mouth, and it is further

 

ORDERED, that such mask, scarf or device must be continuously worn by those persons during the time they are in the courthouse, and it is further

 

 

ORDERED, that no person may ride on an elevator containing other persons, unless all persons are wearing a face mask, scarf, or other device, and it is further

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/FaceMasks_and_SoclDistancing_04152020.pdf

 

The order on masks was clarified on April 30, 2020: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/FaceMasks_and_SoclDistancing_04302020.pdf

 

Beginning on April 27, 2020, the Court is allowing parties to agree to civil motions previously set for hearings through June 4, 2020 to be decided on the papers.

 

On May 1, 2020, Judge Greenberg held a virtual townhall for the Court. Below are some of the relevant points:

 

• Have a skeleton staff which calls for just essential services

• Family division is almost up to date with filing

• Reopening – current order sets date as June 8. Judge Barbera will decide and work with Governor Hogan to coordinate

• If June 8 is the day, the Court may have a roll out that will consist of 2 weeks where Court is open to finish business before public can enter the Court

• Stagger starting times of cases once trials start

• Jury trials will not start at least 6 weeks after 6/8 opening

• Civil jury trials – will probably be 3-4 months after reopening

• Uncontested divorces – will be scheduled

• Discovery rules apply – no suspension of rules regarding answering or replying to motions

• Virtual drop box – set up virtual drop box for discovery and certain other motions

 

Beginning on May 4, 2020, the Court will be conducting some uncontested divorce hearings remotely.

 

On May 22, 2020, the Court announced that will be resuming non-emergency operations on Monday, June 8, 2020. Even with the reopening, the building will remain closed to the public and attorneys, with limited exceptions, until at least June 22.

 

JURY TRIALS – All jury trials in civil and criminal cases are postponed until at least October 5, 2020l.

 

EMERGENCY DOCKETS – The court will continue to hear the cases it presently hears under the requirements of Judge Barbera’s previous orders. All such hearings will continue to be held remotely, whenever possible. No other trials, hearings or proceedings of any type scheduled for June 8-June 26, inclusive, with few exceptions.

 

CONTESTED TRIALS OF ANY TYPE (CRIMINAL, CIVIL, FAMILY, JUVENILE OR OTHER) – All such cases previously scheduled for June 8 through June 26, inclusive, will be postponed to a new date.

 

MOTIONS IN CIVIL CASES – Those cases which were previously set on the 10:00 a.m. civil motions dockets from Monday through Friday will remain on the docket and be heard by telephone or videoconference, beginning with cases set to be heard on June 1 (not June 8), 2020.

 

STATUS/PRETRIAL HEARINGS IN TRACK 2 CIVIL CASES – All such hearings set for the period of March 16 through July 2 have been removed from the docket and will not be rescheduled.

 

PRETRIAL/SETTLEMENT HEARINGS IN TRACK 3 CIVIL CASES – All such hearings set for the period of March 16-July 2 have been removed from the docket and will not be rescheduled. Effective August 6, 2020, the court is instituting a new policy to expedite resolution of these cases. This policy will remain in effect until at least October 4, 2020. Pursuant to this new policy, any parties scheduled for a Settlement/Pretrial Conference in Track 3 cases will forego the Settlement Conference and appear only for Pretrial, by telephone, before the Administrative Judge. All previously scheduled Settlement Conferences in Track 3 civil cases are hereby removed from the docket. The parties may receive a notice from the court informing them that the Settlement Conference (but not the Pretrial) has been removed.

 

CRIMINAL PRETRIAL DOCKETS IN TRACK 2 & 3 CIVIL CASE – Will resume on June 19, 2020.

 

CRIMINAL SENTENCING HEARINGS – All such cases set before any judge during the weeks of June 8-19 will be rescheduled.

 

Dates on Scheduling Orders in all civil and family law cases, and criminal cases where applicable, where Scheduling Orders were issued before March 16, 2020, shall be adjusted by adding 84 days (the length of the court emergency closure) to each event described, provided the original event date for which extension is sought was after March 16.

 

The virtual dropboxes established by previous order of this court for the resolution of Track 2 and 3 family law and civil discovery and juvenile cases are discontinued, effective June 5, 2020. New electronic filing systems, which will be described in a future message, are being instituted effective June 8, 2020. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/index.html

 

On June 6, 2020, Montgomery County Circuit Court released its five-phase reopening plan with an anticipated resumption of full activities on October 5, 2020. The full plan is available below:

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/MontgomeryCountyCircuitCourt-ReopeningPlan.pdf

 

• Filings and Remote Procedures.

 

Because the Court normally does not accept electronic filings, it is working on finding ways to deal with other motions and filings remotely.

 

• Other Relevant Information

 

On April 1, 2020, the Court reiterated that it was only processing and ruling on emergency matters. All filings mailed or placed in the drop box must be marked as emergency or non-emergency. The Court also announced that it is working on strategies to deal with non-emergency matters, and extension will be liberally granted after the Court reopens.

 

On April 6, 2020, the Court reiterated that statutes and rules deadlines to hear pending matters are tolled and suspended, effective March 16, 2020. New deadlines are also tolled and suspended. This was again reiterated on April 14, 2020.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/COVID-19-Notices/COVID-19-Notices.html

 

On April 10, 2020, the Court issued an Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/Administrative_Order_Regarding_Electronic_Filing_04102020.pdf

 

On April 15, 2020, the Court issued an order allowing for filings related to juvenile emergency proceedings to be emailed to the Court.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/ElectronicFiling_inJuve_Emrg_Order_04152020.pdf

 

On April 27, 2020, the Court extended the electronic filing procedures from only Track 3 discovery disputes to include Track 2 civil cases and also certain family matters.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/AmendedOrder_ElectronicFiling_04272020.pdf

 

On June 3, 2020, the Court issued the following Amended Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing:

 

Having been authorized on April 3, 2020, by the Court of Appeals, to use a virtual dropbox for electronic filing during the COVID-19 emergency period, and having since determined that the Court’s use of virtual dropboxes should be changed in the manner set forth below, it is this 3rd day of June, 2020, by the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, hereby

 

ORDERED, that the following Administrative Orders are VACATED, effective June 5, 2020, and the virtual dropboxes established in them may no longer be used:

 

• April 10, 2020 Administrative Order Regarding Electronic Filing;

• April 15, 2020 Administrative Order for Electronic Filing in Juvenile Emergencies;

• April 27, 2020 First Amended Administrative Order Expanding Availability of Electronic Filing; and it is further.

 

ORDERED, that for the limited purposes set forth below, effective June 8, 2020, eight virtual dropboxes established for electronic filing in cases pending in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/AO-Availability-of-Electronic-Filing.pdf

 

On June 12, 2020, the courts sent out a “Message to the Bar from the Circuit Court,” announcing that by the close of business on June 12, many attorneys will already have heard from judges or staff regarding cases that were set on the docket from June 8-July 31. By June 19, it is anticipated that the court’s dockets for June 29-July 17 will be updated on the court website, and July 20-August 31 docket updates will be posted soon thereafter. Additionally, the courts announced they anticipate that Zoom for Government will be the remote videoconferencing platform and will be in use by the end of the month.

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/Message-to-the-Bar-from-Circuit-Court.pdf

 

July 20, 2020 will mark the beginning of Phase III of the Montgomery County Circuit Court Reopening Plan. On this date, the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office will be open to the public and attorneys for certain services. These services will be by appointment only from 10-12 and 2-4. However, it is still strongly encouraged that both the public and attorneys continue to request copies and information by e-mail, drop box, or USPS. To limit the number of people in the courthouse and to expedite requests, members of the public and attorneys will be able to order copies and request appointments for the following services online: 1. Copies of case documents (excluding marriage licenses) 2. Reviewing case files 3. Swearing in of Special Police Officers 4. Swearing in of notaries

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/MontgomeryCountyCircuitCourt-ReopeningPlan.pdf

 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/phase-iii-reopening_07202020.pdf

 

Circuit Court for Prince George’s County

 

• Court Operations.

 

On March 25, 2020, the Court issued an order restricting the Court to emergency operations and closed the Court to the public with limited exceptions through May 1, 2020. This is now extended to July 20, 2020.

 

As of April 8, 2020, that includes bail reviews and bench warrants; arraignments for detained defendants; juvenile detention hearings; juvenile shelter care hearings; peace order petitions for juvenile respondents; emergency evaluation petitions; quarantine and isolation petitions; extradition cases; body attachments; and extreme risk protective order appeals. Other emergency matters may be heard in the court’s discretion.

 

The Court’s website states that it is working to address every emergency and bond hearing that is filed. Remote hearings in front of a judge are scheduled, if needed. Bond hearings are also heard each day.

 

All jury trials are postponed.

 

On June 8, 2020, phase two of the Circuit Court’s reopening plan commenced, allowing some staff to return to the courthouse with the incorporation of social distancing. A limited number of in-person hearings will be scheduled and the Circuit Court will expand the use of remote hearings on other matters. Uncontested hearings and services such as mediation, parenting classes, training, etc. continue remotely. The courthouse will still be generally closed to the public.

 

• Filings

 

The Court is not a MDEC county and does not accept electronic filings. A drop box is available for filings.

 

https://www.princegeorgescourts.org/DocumentCenter/View/613/Phased-Reopening-Timeline
  

 

• Transition Plans.

 

On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Judiciary will enter Phase III of the Judiciary’s five-phase statewide reopening plan. In Phase III, the clerks’ offices in the circuit courts and the District Court of Maryland will fully open to the public. A broader range of court matters will also be scheduled throughout the state during this phase.

 

OUTSIDE THE DC REGION

 

California

 

Federal District Courts

 

On April 9, 2020, California’s Eastern and Central Districts asked the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit to suspend Speedy Trial Act deadlines because of strained judicial resources backlogs caused by COVID-19. The requests come days after the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit suspended Speedy Trial Act rules in the Southern District of California. So, rather than adapt to the crisis, these courts seek relief from congressional and constitutional deadlines because the of backlog they are creating by failing to adapt to the crisis. In fairness, judicial vacancies in these districts are also to blame.

 

On May 12, 2020, the Judges of the Eastern District of California issued an order declaring that until further notice, all courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California shall remain closed to the public.

 

On May 29, 2020 the U.S. District Court, Central District, Western Division of California Court announced that resumption of operations will be phased in, beginning with Phase 1, return of certain staff beginning June 1, Phase 2, reopening for limited in-person hearings no earlier than June 22, and Phase 3, resumption of jury trials.

 

https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/general-orders/GO%2020-08%20Amended.pdf

 

Effective June 29, 2020, due to the spiking cases of COVID-19 sweeping the country, both the Eastern and Central District of California reauthorized the use of video conferencing, or alternatively, telephone conferencing, in this District for criminal proceedings specified in §§15002(b) of the CARES Act for an additional 90 days unless earlier terminated.

 

Connecticut

 

U.S. District Court (New Haven)

 

On April 13, 2020, former Alstom SA executive Larry Puckett was sentenced via videoconference after waiving his right to be sentenced in court.

 

As of May, 19 2020, all civil and criminal jury trials (and related jury selections) scheduled to commence on or before September 1, 2020, before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the District of Connecticut shall be continued pending further order of the Court. Criminal trials will be excluded from this time period of continuance under the Speedy Trial Act.

 

http://www.ctd.uscourts.gov//sites/default/files/20-17_-COVID-19-General-Order-Re-Jury-Trials.pdf

 

Pursuant to General Order released on June 12, 2020, the following is effective as of June 16, 2020:

 

• Individual judges will determine, after giving due consideration to the public health risks presented by in-court appearances, whether it is in the interests of justice to hold any non-jury civil or criminal proceeding in the courtroom

• For any in-court proceedings after June l 5, 2020, all participants, unless the judge orders otherwise, and all persons attending the proceeding must wear masks at all times.

• U.S. Attorney’s Office may begin conducting grand jury proceedings in any courthouse after .June 15, 2020. All grand jurors shall observe appropriate social distancing and shall wear masks while present in the courthouse.

• Staff in the Clerk’s Office will continue to telework to the maximum extent possible consistent with serving the needs of the public. Limited staff will be present at the Clerk’s office to process filings and answer telephonic questions from the public during normal business hours. Telework policies applicable to judges’ chambers will be decided by each judge.

 

http://www.ctd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/General-Order-61220.pdf

 

On June 26, 2020, due to the spiking cases of COVID-19 sweeping the country, the United States District Court of the District of Connecticut general order was issued reauthorizing the use of video conferencing, or alternatively, telephone conferencing, in this District for criminal proceedings specified in §§15002(b) of the CARES Act for an additional 90 days unless earlier terminated.

 

http://ctd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ReauthorizationOrder.pdf

 

On July 14, 2020, the Court issued a General Order regarding Court Operations.

 

http://ctd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/20-24_COVID-19-General-Order-Re-Jury-Selections-Trials.pdf

 

Florida

 

Supreme Court

 

The Florida Supreme Court will hold oral arguments using zoom for arguments scheduled for the first week in May, including two cases that involve medical marijuana regulations and a proposal to make recreational marijuana legal in Florida. The Court plans to complete a practice run for those arguments the week before they are scheduled to take place.

 

On April 29, 2020, the Court announced that it ran several dry-run tests ahead of the first argument scheduled for May 6. The Court warned attorneys regarding appropriate attire:
“Despite this change, the Florida Supreme Court still will require proper decorum. Attorneys in the May 6 cases have been reminded to observe the usual formalities in their dress, manners, and comments even though they will be working from remote locations.”

 

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/News-Media/Court-News/Florida-Supreme-Court-prepares-for-historic-May-6-arguments-using-remote-technology-due-to-coronavirus

 

Florida’s state courts continue to handle essential cases. All jury trials are suspended. No proceedings other than essential proceedings and proceedings critical to the state of emergency are to be conducted in-person. Nonessential court proceedings are to be rescheduled or canceled unless they can be effectively conducted using remote technology.

 

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/News-Media/Court-News

 

On May 4, 2020, the Chief Justice expanded matters that will be heard remotely. The order also extended the current suspension of jury trials in Florida until July 2, 2020. Additionally, the order made corresponding changes to some legal deadlines by pushing them back until the Monday after the July 4 holiday weekend.

 

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/News-Media/Court-News/Chief-Justice-issues-emergency-order-expanding-remote-hearings-and-suspending-jury-trials-into-early-July-statewide

 

On May 13, 2020, the Court announced it will hold three more days of oral arguments using remote video teleconferencing when it hears cases in June.

 

On May 14, 2020, the Court announced that court employees must report certain kinds of personal travel and may be required to work at home or observe quarantine measures for periods of time afterward that are recommended by the CDC or other health authorities.

 

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/News-Media/Court-News

 

On June 16, 2020, the Court issued Amendment Four to the order on COVID emergency procedures. To access the Order, click the following link: https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/ezs3download/download/637809/7251452

 

On July 2, 2020, the Court issued two amendments to the orders on COVID emergency procedures. To access the Orders, click the following links: https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/ezs3download/download/639134/7265622

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/ezs3download/download/639136/7265632

 

On July 16, 2020, the Court entered an order that the continuing legal education requirements imposed by rules 3.112(f)(7), 3.112(g)(2)(E), and 3.112(h)(6), Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, are suspended from the date of the order through December 31, 2021.

 

On August 12, 2020, the Court issued two amendments to the orders on COVID emergency procedures. To access the Orders, click the following links:

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/ezs3download/download/642474/7297339

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/ezs3download/download/642473/7297334

 

Broward County

 

Appropriate attire is still required. A Florida state court judge has admonished attorneys to wear pants during Zoom hearings. Reported in AboveTheLaw:

 

https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/News-Media/Court-News/Chief-Justice-issues-emergency-order-expanding-remote-hearings-and-suspending-jury-trials-into-early-July-statewide

 

See the Court’s letter to the local bar association here:

 

https://www.westonbar.org/so/61N5VoOJe?fbclid=IwAR3gBGUaUfpC8qs0612nMrw-lSDgZkDFiOiCcKGXBjd3SDS8PisCrslHN6c#/main

 

The above contains a great quote:

 

But there is no such thing as an objection to Zoom. That having been said, I for one will not conduct a two-week expert-laden hotly contested trial via Zoom; I will reschedule that one for late summer or early fall (if we’re lucky). At the end of the day, we conduct these hearings as best we can, knowing we’re running on one of those miniature spare tires we pulled from the trunk rather than a “real” tire. But it will get us to where we need to go if we decrease our speed and increase our caution and shorten our trip. Resolve as many issues as you can through negotiation and then buckle up. We’ll get there, but it may get a little bumpy along the way. Please, stay safe and healthy … and lucrative.

 

This is probably good advice for intra-firm Zoom meetings as well.

 

Kansas

 

Kansas Supreme Court

• Remote Proceedings

 

On March 18, 2020, the Supreme Court directed all courts in the state to cease all but emergency operations.

 

On April 3, 2020, the Supreme Court amended the March 18, 2020 Order to, inter alia, (1) clarify that litigation conduct is not limited when it does not involve a judge or court employee; (2) encourage parties to meet deadlines if an in-court appearance is not required; (3) confirm that courts must have enough staff to carry out essential functions (nonessential functions may be performed if resources allow); (4) clarify that nonessential hearings may occur, but through telephone or videoconferences; and (5) confirm that the courts will continue to accept electronic filing in all cases.

 

On May 1, 2020, Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued six new administrative orders to provide updated instructions to courts as the state slowly reopens.

 

• Other Relevant Information

 

The Chief Justice is permitted to suspend all statutes of limitations and statutory time standards or other deadlines.

 

• On May 27, 2020, Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued 5 administrative orders affecting court operations during the pandemic.

• On June 16, 2020, Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued two administrative orders affecting court operations during the pandemic.
  • https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Orders/2020-PR-076.pdf
  • https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Orders/2020-PR-075.pdf

• On June 29, the Chief Justice announced she plans to reinstate most statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines that apply to the conduct or processing of judicial proceedings effective August 3, assuming all district court facilities in Kansas remain open to the public.

• On June 29, the Court announced updates to operating requirements for district and appellate courts.
  • https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Orders/2020-PR-090.pdf

• On August 5, the Supreme Court of the State of Kansas announced an amended administrative order addressing the District and Appellate Court operations.
  • https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Orders/2020-PR-093.pdf

 

New York

 

New York State Courts

 

• Remote Proceedings-Virtual Court Model.

 

On March 25, 2020, the New York City Criminal Court commenced court proceedings by videoconferencing using Skype for Business and/or telephone (the “virtual court model”). Arraignments remain open to the public, but access is monitored and limited. Special video arrangements are made for criminal defendants.

 

On March 26, 2020, the New York City Family Court commenced the virtual court model for appearances in child-protective intake cases involving removal application, newly-filed juvenile delinquency intake cases involving remand applications, emergency family offense petitions, and writ applications where there is a court order for custody or parenting time.

 

On March 29, 2020, the virtual court model was commenced in various counties for essential and emergency court matters.

 

On April 6, 2020, it was announced that all essential and emergency court matters in New York will be permitted to be heard using the virtual court model. A very small staff will continue to process essential and emergency paperwork. Proceedings for the essential and emergency matters will remain open to the public, but access will be strictly monitored and limited. The New York State Courts are also working on extending the virtual court model to matters that are not considered essential or emergency.

 

On April 9, 2020, the number of virtual courtrooms was increased for essential/emergency matters.

 

On April 30, 2020, it was announced that the New York courts have heard over 25,000 cases virtually since April 13, 2020. It was also announced that new motions or responsive papers may now be filed electronically in courts that have electronic filing. In courts that do not have electronic filing, a new document delivery system has been set up. Further, problem-solving courts can now conduct conferences using Zoom. Notices of appeal can now be filed electronically.

 

• Reopening Plan Status.

 

On May 13, 2020, it was announced that the court system will be beginning to return to in-person courthouse operations in certain counties and new cases can be filed in those counties. The physical offices remain closed to the public. In the counties re-opening, clerks will begin logging, prepping and queuing documents received since the courts closed.

 

On May 20, 2020, it was announced that courts in Western NY, Capital Region begin to return to in-person operations. Courts in downstate counties will begin accepting new cases.

 

On May 22, 2020, it was announced that in-person court resumed in 40 upstate counties.

 

As of May 29, 2020, all Courts outside of New York City have resumed in-person operations.

 

On June 2, 2020, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore stated that although no official date has been set for New York City courts to reopen, they are looking at June 8th as a potential date.

 

On June 8, 2020, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced that New York City has entered into Phase 1 of Governor Cuomo’s regional, phased-in plan for the economic reopening of New York, and by June 10 2020, judges, chambers staff and designated court personnel in every region of the state will be back at work in their assigned courthouses. Even though as part of Phase 1 judges and a limited number of staff will be back at work in NYC courthouses, they will be conducting court business through virtual technology in order to keep courthouse traffic down and minimize the risk of community transmission during this initial start-up period.

 

As of June 17, 2020, courts in the 5th, 6th and 7th Judicial Districts will begin hearing an expanded number of in‐person matters in their respective courthouses, including: child support proceedings; select plea and sentencing proceedings for defendants at liberty; preliminary hearings in criminal cases for defendants being held in jail on felonies; arraignments of defendants who have been issued desk appearance tickets; and a limited number of bench trials in civil matters.

 

As of June 26, all courts outside New York City entered Phase 3 of the State’s economic reopening plan. Under Phase 3, the courts have begun hearing an expanded number of in-person matters in courthouses, including child support proceedings, certain categories of criminal proceedings and a limited number of civil bench trials. New York City courts are now proceeding and operating smoothly under Phase 2.

 

As of July 6, 2020, New York courts in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th of Judicial Districts entered Phase 4 of the State’s economic reopening plan. Phase 4 comes with a significant increase in the number and types of matters that will be heard in-person in courthouses, including:

• Child support proceedings and permanency hearings;
• plea and sentencing hearings for defendants at liberty;
• preliminary hearings for defendants being held in jail on felony complaints;
• arraignments of defendants who have been issued desk appearance tickets;
• and in Supreme Court, on the civil side, court appearances where at least one party is unrepresented, and a limited number of bench trials;
• grand Juries will commence their service on July 13th in the Judicial Districts outside New York City.

 

Courts in the 3rd and 9th Districts, and the 10th District on Long Island, are awaiting the Governor’s approval for the transition into Phase 4. For New York City courts, in anticipation of transitioning to Phase 3, the courts have installed plexiglass barriers and retrofitted dozens of courtrooms to ensure that they can be utilized safely and efficiently as the courts expand to in-person operations.

 

As of July 10, 2020, all of our courts outside New York City have entered into Phase 4 and New York City courts have entered into Phase 3. As part of New York City’s phase 3, the courts mailed summons to prospective Grand Jurors across New York City in preparation for the commencement of grand jury proceedings in all five boroughs, beginning August 10th.

 

As of July 20, 2020, Chief Judge DiFiore announced the state’s gradual transition back to in-person operations, highlighted by a bench trial of a murder case in Nassau County that started last week. Grand Juries were empaneled and have begun operating in every county outside New York City as of last week. Virtual proceedings will continue to play an important role in order to limit courthouse traffic. The state is also moving forward with safe and limited resumption of in-person proceedings in the New York City Housing Court.

 

As of July 27^th, grand juries have been convened in all 57 counties outside New York City. In New York City, the anticipated resumption date is to begin on August 10, 2020.

 

As of August 5, 2020, Chief Judge DiFiore announced that all the courts in New York City have entered into Phase 4.

 

• Non-Essential Matters.

 

On March 22, 2020, the New York State Courts announced that no new filings would be accepted in non-essential matters. As of April 6, 2020, all non-essential court functions remain suspended.

 

On April 13, 2020, it was announced that the court system is extending its virtual court model to non-essential matters, including tort, asbestos, commercial, matrimonial, trusts and estates, felony, family and other cases.

 

On May 13, 2020, it was announced that new cases may be filed in certain counties that are reopening. https://www.nycourts.gov/

 

Texas

 

Texas Federal Court

 

 

MV3 Partners LLC v. Roku, Inc., which is a patent infringement case pending in federal district court in Waco, is a Texas case involving lawyers from the D.C. Region. On April 9, 2020, District Judge Alan Albright denied Roku’s request for a continuance of a trial scheduled to start on June 1. Roku asked for a continuance because its attorneys in Maryland and Virginia are under stay-at-home orders and might not be able to travel to Texas. In a one-line order denying the motion, Judge Albright stated that it would be “premature” to reschedule the June 1 start date despite the legitimate health and logistical concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

On July 8, 2020, given the significant increase in reported COVID-19 cases in the Dallas Division, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas ordered the continuance of civil and criminal jury trials through July 30, 2020.

 

Texas Supreme Court

 

On April 8, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court started hearing oral argument via Zoom videoconference technology. The first argument was in a $1.7 billion negligence case. The oral arguments were live streamed on YouTube.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0gZPfa2qBYO7oJvt6TKixg

 

On April 27, 2020, the Court clarified many of its existing orders. The Court expanded authority for remote proceedings to include grand jurors. Further, any deadline for filing or service of any civil case that falls on a day between March 13, 2020, and June 1 is extended until July 15. This does not include deadlines for perfecting appeal or for other appellate proceedings,

 

https://www.txcourts.gov/supreme/news/coronavirus-emergency-orders-revised/

 

On May 27, 2020 the Texas Supreme Court amended its existing provision with its 17th emergency order. In this order, the Court extended no later than September 30 the time when Texas courts may modify or suspend deadlines for civil and criminal cases (except in child-welfare cases). Additionally, the order clarified that no jury proceedings may be held prior to August 1st unless authorized by the order.

 

https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1446702/209071.pdf

 

On June 29, 2020 the Texas Supreme Court issued its Emergency Order 18 extending and amending the 17th Emergency Order, prohibiting jury proceedings until September 1, but authorizing limited number of jury proceedings under certain conditions.

 

https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1448109/209080.pdf

 

On July 31, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order extending until September 15 the limitations on civil case filings and service of them for deadlines that fall between March 13, 2020, and September 1. As with previous orders, the extensions do not include deadlines for perfecting appeals or for other appellate proceedings.

Legal Service Providers

 

There are many vendors providing important services to the legal industry. Below is a decidedly unscientific survey of how some of them are adapting.

 

Arbitration Administration Organizations

 

The American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution

 

The AAA and its international division, the ICDR, assists with alternative hearing arrangements, including videoconferencing and teleconferencing. Click the link below for the AAA-ICDR Panelist Resource Guide for Virtual Arbitration Hearings.

 

International Chamber of Commerce

 

The ICC has studied this issue intensely and issued a long white paper outlining the changes it is making in light of the crisis.

 

E-Discovery Vendors

 

Driven

 

Driven can forensically collect data from virtually any source through its remote collection kits. Data can be transferred using encrypted high-speed transfer technology. All subsequent data processing is achieved using Driven’s secure, virtualized, and scalable processing methodology.

 

To accommodate remote document reviews, Driven’s comprehensive solution includes software installed on each reviewer’s remote workstation, allowing virtual supervision and monitoring, along with a thorough screening process that creates a secure and productive work environment.

 

Court Reporting and Deposition Service Providers

 

Planet Depos

 

Planet Depos has transitioned depositions, mediations, and arbitrations to a completely remote setup. Before COVID-19, an overwhelming majority of the legal proceedings that Planet Depos covered took place in person. That is, all attendees — attorneys, witness, court reporter, interpreter, and videographer — were in the same room. In the last month PD saw this ratio completely flip, with a vast majority of its depositions taking place with all attendees in separate locations. Planet Depos has been providing remote deposition services for more than 10 years and it has hosted webinars for thousands of litigators and support staff to introduce them to the technology and provide training and best practices, including introducing and marking exhibits. More information can be found here:

https://planetdepos.com/remote.

 

On May 20, 2020, Planet Depos announced its plan to return to in-person proceedings.See https://planetdepos.canto.com/s/OG3K9?viewIndex=0

 

The highlights of the plan are as follows:

 

• PD will be following all CDC, federal, state, and local recommendations and best practices and will implement changes as they are released.

 

• All staff, contractors, and guests will be required to wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distancing.

 

• Anyone presenting with symptoms (such as a fever) or anyone who has come into contact with a COVID-positive individual within 14 days will be asked to leave, and alternative arrangements such as a remote deposition will be offered.

 

• Maximum capacity of our conference rooms and offices will be temporarily lowered in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

 

• All offices will be routinely cleaned and disinfected, and we will provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and more.

 

Magna Legal Services

 

Magna is offering the following remote services with discounted/ waived fees for the duration of the crisis: platforms with reduced/waived fees for remote depositions, mediations, hearings, and arbitrations. It is also reducing fees on remote jury research (reduced fees for focus groups and damage assessment services), and remote witness prep services.

 

Below are links to some of Magna’s tutorials for remote depositions:

 

Sharing Exhibits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qPpOchvIc&list=PLu6KDpdkgNTPwnT7UDhgYp2QxgU_I1bBg&index=5

 

Annotating Exhibits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihci0mKEH1g&list=PLu6KDpdkgNTPwnT7UDhgYp2QxgU_I1bBg&index=6

 

Using Break-Out Rooms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ObhtyYaosM&list=PLu6KDpdkgNTPwnT7UDhgYp2QxgU_I1bBg&index=8

 

Real Time Court Reporting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTVIeKKRj3U&list=PLu6KDpdkgNTPwnT7UDhgYp2QxgU_I1bBg&index=10&t=0s

 

LAWYER ADAPTATIONS

 

The legal industry has almost instantaneously changed via the wide adoption of video conferencing technologies such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. These technologies are being used to conduct firm meetings, meet with clients, and prepare witnesses.

 

Our firm has been combining video conferencing technology (Teams or Zoom) with evidence presentation software offerings like TrialPad, with is an iPad app. This combination makes it possible to prepare witnesses remotely and it should facilitate virtual mediations and, perhaps, even some kinds of arbitrations.