The Grays Harbor County courthouse, juvenile court and district court are closed to all but very limited circumstances as a result of a general order issued Thursday by Superior Court Judge David Edwards, the county’s presiding judge.
Edwards had already curtailed court operations to follow COVID-19 protection guidelines and his later order came a day after Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court Debra Stephens issued an order restricting the operations at courts in the state, limiting the types of cases which can be heard through April 24. Stephens’ order was meant to put courts around the state on more or less the same page, but left leeway for local decisions.
“The Supreme Court order authorizes this court to adopt measures to protect health and safety that are more restrictive than the Supreme Court order, including by extending the time frames contained in the Supreme Court order,” read a statement from Judge Edwards.
Protection orders
Anyone wishing to apply for a protection order from the Superior Court may complete and submit the necessary paperwork at the office of the Grays Harbor County Clerk between the hours of 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Criminal cases
All criminal jury trials are suspended until after May 6. For all criminal trials suspended under this provision, May 7 will be the new commencement date.
All out-of-custody criminal matters already pending shall be continued until after May 6. Arraignments and preliminary appearances on out-of-custody cases shall be deferred until a date 60 days after the filing of the charges.
All in-custody criminal matters shall be continued until after May 6, 2020.
The regular Monday dockets through May 6 shall be limited to arraignments, changes of plea, sentencings and motions for release and/or bail reduction.
Other motions of an urgent nature may be scheduled, but, must be approved in advance by the presiding judge.
Civil cases
All dockets are suspended until May 6.
Motions of an urgent nature may be scheduled for hearing if approved, in advance, by the presiding judge.
Domestic/Family Law cases
All dockets are suspended until May 6.
The court shall continue to conduct hearings on Monday mornings for motions for restraining orders which address claims of abuse or health and safety, motions for temporary parenting plans which address claims of abuse or health and safety of a child or children, and other urgent motions, which must be approved in advance by the presiding judge.
Default Dissolution dockets are suspended until May 6.
Paternity Dockets are suspended until May 6, 2020.
Protection Docket – No changes
Drug Court will be conducted, but limited to 10 participants family members or friends are not allowed.
Dependency dockets are suspended until May 8. The court will conduct shelter care hearings during the period of suspension. Motions of an emergency nature can be scheduled, if approved at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing date by Judge David Mistachkin.
Juvenile Criminal dockets are suspended until May 9, except for preliminary appearances and motions for changes of plea, deferred disposition and pretrial release.
Court security personnel will screen everyone entering the courthouse to determine if they have legitimate business in the courthouse. They will also be screened regarding temperature and exposure to persons who exhibit symptoms consistent with the coronavirus.
