COURT CLOSURE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Orange County Courts Closed 3/23/2020 – all courts will be closed to the public, including attorneys, until further notice. The Court anticipates reopening in the near future for limited matters. Our Orange County DUI Attorneys are keeping a close eye on the situation and looking for when the court will reopen.
The closures are in response to the health concerns raised by the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, Orange County Superior Court. Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code section 68115, at the Court’s request California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has issued an emergency order permitting the closing of the Court’s facilities to the public, at least until March 30, 2020. For purposes of computing certain court-related deadlines, the closure will be considered a public holiday.
The closures are in response to the unique and continuing public safety challenge presented by the coronavirus. Public health orders now prohibit most public gatherings.
The Court appreciates the careful balance that must be maintained between the timely administration of justice and the protection of public health and safety.
Importantly, this closure is not in response to specific notice of exposure at any Court facility or to any Court staff. Instead, it is in an abundance of caution to help limit the spread of the virus and the potential for future exposure. Employees are expected to report to work as directed, and courtrooms will be available to handle cases like Orange County DUIs via telephone, and continue and set new dates. The Court recognizes and appreciates our employees’ and justice partners’ willingness to support operations, during this unprecedented emergency.
Jurors who have been summoned to appear during this time period are not required to appear for juror duty.
The Court will be providing additional details in the next hours and days, so please check the Orange County Court website for updates.