The Fresno County Superior Court is changing direction in wake of the coronavirus epidemic.
Last week, the court announced that it was substantially reducing operations to only deal with essential legal matters.
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Now, the court is temporarily closing its doors to reduce the health risk to everyone involved with the court.
Presiding judge Arlan Harrell issued an order on Monday closing all courthouses and courtrooms from March 23 to April 3, with an exception for limited emergency matters.
The news comes after local attorneys balked over overcrowded courtrooms while public health officials advise having six feet of separation.
The emergency matters the court will handle over the next couple weeks are as follows:
- Ex parte request for civil harassment temporary restraining orders, domestic violence restraining orders, gun violence restraining orders and emergency ex parte lockout proceedings in unlawful detainer;
- Emergency petition for temporary conservatorship;
- Emergency petition for temporary guardianship;
- Search warrants, Emergency protective orders and bail setting;
- Juvenile temporary restraining orders and other emergency juvenile orders;
- Family emergency temporary restraining orders;
- Emergency writ regarding COVID-19 emergency measures;
- Writs of habeas corpus regarding Medical quarantines.
Jurors in ongoing trials are not off the hook. They will be required to return when the court reopens and will be notified when and where to return.
