Kings County courts postpone services, trials in light of COVID-19 uncertainties

The California Department of Public Health recommends that the public adheres to its recommendations, which include:

• Nonessential gatherings of 250 or more persons are postponed or canceled.
• Smaller events to proceed only if a social distancing of six feet may be provided.
• Gatherings of persons at higher risk for severe illness are to be limited to no more than 10 people.

On Tuesday, Kings County Court officials met to discuss actions necessary to protect the public health, and beginning March 18 court officials will adjust operations as follows:

• All criminal trials with/without time waivers, civil trials, and traffic hearings and trials will be continued 30 days, from March 18 through April 17.
• All interior customer service counters inside the courthouse will be closed to the public. The court will operate two exterior service windows to handle court business. Payments will be accepted online, in an outside drop box, or the exterior service windows.

Court officials also said that those who are ill, including attorneys, litigants, and court staff should stay home. Court officials say these measures are designed to comply with the recommendations of public health officials regarding “best practices” for gatherings and social distancing.