Meenakshi H. Rajan, Esquire ©
Since mid-March, many aspects of life have been unusual due to COVID-19. That is true for the court system as well. Now that Virginia is gradually lifting the stay-at-home order, the courts are slowly starting the process of resuming regular business. However, it will be a while until all the local courts return to normal.
In mid-May, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued an Order that allows each local court to determine the process that works best for the local jurisdiction. The Supreme Court of Virginia recognizes that the needs of densely populated Northern Virginia are not the same as they are for more rural areas in the southwest part of the state. That means for the short term, it is more important than ever that attorneys are familiar with the local procedures in the court where a case is being heard.
In Fairfax, beginning June 1, the Circuit Court will begin hearing all cases that have trials scheduled for two days or less. Cases that are scheduled to last longer than two days will need to be rescheduled by a judge. For now, all circuit court hearings will be heard using remote methods. Any in-person hearings will only be held with permission of a judge. Another new procedure – anyone physically inside the courthouse will be required to wear a mask.
Other jurisdictions have different procedures. In Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock County Circuit Courts, all hearings prior to June 7 are automatically converted to status. Each case will be individually examined and given a new court date, if necessary.
If you have a case this summer, it may be too early to predict how your trial will be impacted by the new procedures. If you are not currently represented by an attorney and are uncertain how these changes might impact your legal situation, please reach out to the attorneys at The Myerson Law Group, P.C. We can help you navigate the legal system in these uncertain times.