Court cases in the Municipal Court in Fayette County are being continued with some exceptions.
Judge Victor D. Pontious issued a journal entry on Monday that said arraignments for jailed defendants will move forward as regularly conducted but via video.
“The Court will continue to make every effort to minimize the number of prisoners in the jail, to the extent that the safety of the community of the alleged victim,” the entry reads.
Criminal and traffic arraignments for those who are not in jail will be continued for three weeks. Local police will be told of new arraignment dates, the Court said. Those who have pending cases should contact the court via telephone or their attorney for more information on new dates.
Pretrials, hearings, and trials are also continued for three weeks, unless the defendant did not waive their right to a speedy trial. Any hearings set for April 6 or after remain as scheduled.
Probationers are being switched to a call-in reporting system. Those on community control will continue to report at their regularly scheduled times, but instead of going to the court, they should call. Certain probationers who are at high risk may be told to use a kiosk at the local police department.
Eviction hearings are continued for three weeks, as well. Any proceedings set for April 6 or after will go on as planned.
Payments for fines and fees should continue as scheduled, and may be made paid on the court’s website or using the drop box at town hall with an envelope that clearly says, “Municipal Court.”
The court will continue to accept new filings, and those wishing to file are encouraged to do so by FAX: (740) 636-2359.
