The Coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a world pandemic and our federal government has declared a national state of emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
State Dept. of Public Health, and our County Public Health Officer are requiring the implementation of social distancing, social isolation of at-risk age and health groups, and other alternatives to normal business operations to stem the spread of COVID-19 and to lessen the effect of this pandemic.

Although these measures will significantly reduce the number of people entering court facilities, we recognize that this situation is constantly changing and may necessitate the court to take more extreme measures including closure of all court facilities and court operations other than those deemed critical. However, we will continue to serve the needs of the most vulnerable people in Sacramento County – our children, the elderly, domestic violence victims and people whose life and liberty interests are at stake.

These rapidly unfolding events have forced us to take definitive action on our provision of court services. As a result, we are implementing the following Continuity of Operations Plan. This plan
will reduce the number of visits by the public to court facilities to promote public safety and health while protecting liberty and due process. This will mean:

  • Curtailing court calendars to concentrate on those matters which are most essential and mandated.
  • Reducing the interaction of people at our service counters and in our higher volume courtrooms.
  • Continuing any non-essential trials or hearings that involve personal appearances by parties.
  • Utilizing telephonic appearances where feasible.
  • Focusing available staff on manning phone lines and email boxes to provide services remotely, and processing pleadings filed through the drop box.
  • Instituting social distancing procedures.

Effective immediately the following court facilities are closed to the public:

  • The Carol Miller Justice Center serving traffic, small claims and unlawful detainer
  • The Civil Self Help Centers at the Hall of Justice and the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse
  • The Children’s Waiting Room at the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse

Services for traffic, small claims, unlawful detainers and self-help centers will be made available through electronic and telephonic means.

View the full notice here.

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