Court and COVID-19 blogOn April 29, 2020, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced that he was extending the stay-at-home order until May 15, 2020 with modifications. Businesses have the option to open under the guidelines of his plan, but can choose to remain closed or remote-only if they wish. Similarly, some law firms and courthouses, despite being essential services, are opting to cease in-person hearings.

Presiding City Judge David R. Fuller issued an administrative order on April 29, 2020, addressing quarantine restrictions during the pandemic. The order states that all in-person proceedings are continued through June 1, 2020 “to the greatest extent possible consistent with core constitutional rights”.

The order states that when possible, hearings should proceed telephonically or through video conference. Civil and criminal hearings scheduled for May 11, 2020 through June 1, 2020 will be continued for at least four weeks. Anyone summoned for jury duty is excused.

Mental health and protective order hearings will continue being held telephonically and through video conference when possible. Anyone who is scheduled to appear and is symptomatic or otherwise suspects that they have coronavirus should alert the court and stay home. All non-essential operations are canceled.

In the case that a hearing absolutely must be held in-person, the courthouse will not be open to those wishing to observe. Only the parties, their attorneys, court staff, victims, and witnesses may attend these hearings. Anyone in the court house must maintain social-distancing protocols.
Chandler Courts to Hold Hearings Telephonically
If you have already filed for bankruptcy in Arizona, chances are great that your 341 Hearing (Meeting of Creditors) is going to be held telephonically.  Thus, if you live in Chandler and were planning on traveling downtown Phoenix to the US Bankruptcy Court, you will most likely be doing your 341 hearing from the comfort of your home or in your bankruptcy attorney’s office as COVID-19 has made it necessary for hearings to be telephonically.

If you have an upcoming case at Chandler Municipal Court, you should confirm if and how your hearing will be held. You should contact your attorney if you have one. If not, our firm is still offering free telephonic consultations. This is your opportunity to discuss your case, how it will be affected by COVID-19, and what your options are. Call and schedule your free consultation today!