NAPA SUPERIOR COURT EXTENDS LIMITED OPERATIONS TO MAY 2020, EXPANDS SELF-HELP SERVICES AND USE OF REMOTE VIDEO HEARINGS

NAPA, CA—In response to continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Napa Superior Court will continue its ongoing closure and maintain limited operations through May 1, 2020.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the Napa Superior Court significantly scaled back court operations in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This included closing two courthouses and limiting entrance to a third facility while reducing calendars to time sensitive and certain public safety matters. These efforts, in place to protect court users, litigants, and staff, were previously in effect through Friday, April 10.

Earlier this week—based on the continued guidance provided by federal, state, and local public health officials—the Napa Superior Court submitted a subsequent request to the Chief Justice of California to extend limited operations through Friday, May 1, 2020. Yesterday, the Chief Justice signed an emergency order granting authority to the court to extend, as it deemed appropriate, various deadlines.

Under this authority, please note the following:

  • Handling of time sensitive in-custody arraignments, certain family & juvenile cases, and emergency matters will continue.
  • Most non-time sensitive matters scheduled through May 1 will be continued from 8 to 12 weeks from the current hearing date. Refer to the Court’s website for more detailed information by case type.
  • Check the online Court Calendars here to confirm if you are required to appear. If your case is on the list, you need to appear.
  • All court calendars will be heard in the Criminal Court Building.
  • The Historic and Juvenile Courthouses will remain closed.
  • A drop box for emergency matters is available at the Criminal Court Building located at 1111 Third Street in downtown Napa.
  • Routine matters will not be processed until normal court operations resume or conditions permit staff to report to work.
  • No jury trials will occur during this time. If you have been called for jury service, please check your status online or at 707-299-1150.
  • Check the Court’s website at www.napa.courts.ca.gov for the latest information. Detailed plans by case type are posted on the website.

More Access to Self-Help Center Services

Effective Monday, April 13, the Court is expanding services in the Self-Help Center. All court users may seek assistance by phone or email from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday at 707-299-1137 or by email at Selfhelp@napa.courts.ca.gov. All inquiries will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Expanded Use of Technology to Conduct Court Business

During the recent closure, the court has aggressively pursued the use of digital, telephonic, and remote video services to conduct court hearings. This includes in-custody arraignments and juvenile detention hearings by video. These efforts have been in coordination with our justice system partners and have been driven by the goal to follow social distancing guidelines through reduced foot traffic in the courthouses while holding mandatory hearings. The Napa Superior Court will continue to work on efforts to conduct court business through remote technology and other related means.

“The entire Napa court team—its judicial officers, staff, bailiffs, everyone—deeply regrets the need for these actions which limit access to our courthouses and system of justice. We do so, though, as steadfast community partners to help mitigate the current health risk for all Napa County residents. Our court will continue to pursue alternate means of conducting business safely and will resume normal operations once the public health danger has passed,” said Presiding Judge Mark Boessenecker.

For any additional questions, please contact the Court Executive Office by email at Court.Administration@napa.courts.ca.gov.

View the full notice here.

First Legal, your premier litigation support provider.