Madison County Chief Judge William Mudge continued all non-essential court matters to Feb. 1, 2021, “given the recent record number of COVID-19 infections and its rapid resurgence within Madison County.”
Mudge issued the administrative order on Dec. 21, extending his previous order that “only essential court matters and proceedings shall be heard in the Third Judicial Circuit in order to protect the health and safety of court patrons, staff, judges and the general public.”
“The court will continue to conduct hearings on only essential or time sensitive matters if the presentment of a motion or petition cannot be conducted remotely via telephone, Zoom or other electronic means,” Mudge wrote.
“Attorneys and the self-represented are allowed limited access to the courthouse facilities for processing of pleadings but must adhere to the current CDC guidelines enforced in the buildings regarding face coverings and social distancing, among others. Any further exceptions require approval from the assigned judge,” he added.
The order applies to the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Madison and Bond Counties.
“The Resident Circuit Judge of Bond County is authorized to issue local orders, rules or protocols, consistent herewith, and for the limited purpose of implementing the provisions of this order in that County,” Mudge wrote.
According to Mudge’s previous order, essential court proceedings include:
- All matters with individuals in custody, including bond hearings
- Summary suspension hearings, absent an agreed continuance; SSS hearings will be conducted exclusively by Zoom
- Detention hearings for detained juveniles
- Shelter Care and other essential hearings for juveniles who may have been abused or neglected
- Mental health hearings for involuntary commitment or treatment
- Emergency hearings in family matters scheduled only with the approval of the court
- Any other emergency hearing scheduled and approved by the court
- Have travelled or have close contact with someone who has travelled, within the last 21 days, to any country designated by the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) as high risk locations for transmission of COVID-19
- Have been directed to, or have close contact with anyone who has been directed to quarantine, isolate, or self-monitor at home by a health department or any medical provider
- Have been diagnosed with, or have had close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19
- Have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath
- Are awaiting a COVID-19 test result