Fresno Superior Court to reopen – with many changes. Here’s what you need to know
Fresno County Superior Court is slowly resuming operations as officials begin to loosen restrictions designed to protect the public against the coronavirus.
Court division manager Suzanne Abi-Rached said starting Monday, the court will begin hearing cases for people who are out of custody. The court will also restart hearing jury trials. Both of those functions have been on hold since March 23 when the county’s criminal courts were closed to the public.
At the time, state and federal officials were urging people to remain at home to prevent the highly contagious virus from spreading.
To keep the judicial process moving, the court began using the video conferencing app Zoom to hold arraignments, status conferences and sentencing hearings. Most of those hearings have been live streamed on YouTube.
And while that will continue, court officials will also allow people who are not being housed at the county jail to have their cases heard in person, but with some new precautions.
“Because we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we will proceed cautiously and with the health and safety of staff, jurors and other court users as our primary consideration,” Abi-Rached said.
If you are coming to the main courthouse Monday, expect to see some changes. First, the new entrance will be on the northwest side of the B-1 level of the building. Before being allowed inside, you will have to pass a health screening that consists of a series of health questions, and a temperature check. You will also be required to wear a face mask/facial covering and as always pass thought a metal detector.
Once inside, you will go to the B1 Action Center, where court staff will direct you to the appropriate courtroom or answer any questions.
Also important: You won’t be able to enter the courthouse unless you have a scheduled court hearing. Those permitted to be inside would include those involved in a lawsuit or accused of an alleged crime, their lawyers, subpoenaed witnesses, victims and advocates.
Any in-person hearings will be done with safety measures in place, including social distancing, face masks and limited occupancy in the courtrooms. The court is also working to install protective shielding in the courtrooms in areas that require a closer proximity, like the witness stand and bench.
With jury trials resuming, jury selection will also change. Abi-Rached said the court is looking for a larger building near the courthouse to allow for social distancing during jury orientation. Potential jurors will also go through a health and security screening and must wear a face mask/facial covering to enter the building.
The children’s waiting room will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 3:53 PM.
