Connecticut’s courts remain open on a limited basis during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak as part of the state Judicial Branch’s plan to reduce the number of people in court facilities and help halt the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
Chief Court Administrator Patrick L. Carroll III announced in March 18 statement that one building in each of the 13 Judicial Districts will be designated as the location where only Priority 1 functions will be handled.
See the List of Courthouses That Will Remain Open
“These are extraordinary times and require extraordinary measures,” Chief Court Administrator Carroll said. “Our overarching challenge throughout the crisis has been to balance the constitutional obligation of the courts to remain open with protecting the health and safety of every individual who enters a state courthouse.”
Priority 1 functions include certain criminal arraignments and arraignments involving domestic violence cases, juvenile detention hearings, civil protection orders, and domestic violence victim notification, among others.
All jury trials, civil and criminal, are suspended, with the exception of jury trials in progress and certain criminal jury trials. Jurors with questions can speak with jury administration through a website Live Chat feature, or call jury administration at 1-800-842-8175.
The Connecticut Supreme Court and Appellate Courts have also significantly reduced operations.
Judge James W. Abrams, Chief Administrative Judge for Civil Matters, issued an order to reschedule foreclosure sales scheduled for March 21 and March 28 into mid-May.
The Judicial Branch’s courthouse law libraries are closed until further notice, but staff will continue to update resources offered to the public via the Law Library Services’ web page.
Anyone with questions about how the reduction of court services may affect their legal matters should contact Cramer & Anderson by calling (860) 355-2631, or connecting with an attorney through the firm’s website.
See Cramer & Anderson’s other coronavirus related posts:
Connecticut Small Businesses Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Loans
Cramer & Anderson Open for Business Amid Coronavirus, Just in a Different Way
Cramer & Anderson’s COVID-19 Response
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson LLP serves clients from six offices in western Connecticut with a hometown sensibility and a worldly outlook. In addition to Municipal Law, Planning & Zoning Land-Use, and Environmental Law, the firm’s attorneys also handle Personal Injury, Divorce & Family Law, Workers’ Comp, Immigration, Elder Law, Estate Planning and more.
The flagship office is located in a historic structure on the Green in New Milford. Additional offices are located in Danbury, Litchfield, Kent, and Washington Depot, and Ridgefield, serving Fairfield County. For more information, see the website at www.crameranderson.com.
