LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Closures and other schedule changes for federal courthouses in the Central District of California in response to the coronavirus pandemic are being extended through June 22, it was announced today.
The coronavirus operations plan for federal courthouses in Los Angeles, Santa Ana and Riverside, which are closed to the public except for hearings on criminal duty matters in downtown's Roybal Courthouse, was originally set to continue through Monday.
Limited in-person hearings in criminal and civil matters will resume no earlier than June 22. Jury trials are expected to start at a date to be determined, Clerk of Court Kiry K. Gray said, and in-person meetings of the grand juries may resume at the discretion of the chief judge.
Hearings in civil and some criminal cases will continue to proceed by video or telephonic conference, and may go forward in court after June 22 at the discretion of the assigned judge, according to Gray.
Criminal bench duty for all divisions will continue to take place in the Roybal Courthouse, by video or telephonic conference or in court.
The Probation and Pretrial Services Office, as well as the intake/records department, will reopen no earlier than June 22.
The Bankruptcy Court will issue separate guidance for resuming its operations.
Naturalization ceremonies scheduled through the end of September are canceled.
Advance notice will be given regarding heightened screening procedures at the courthouses, as well as any requirements for facial coverings and social distancing measures, Gray said.
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