On March 13, 2020 the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court ordered that most judicial proceedings, including criminal cases, be continued to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The order goes into effect on March 16th and establishes temporary procedures for district court case processing. The Minnesota Supreme Court ordered the following:
(1) All court facilities shall remain open. Service windows at court facilities will also remain open, and courts will continue to accept filings in all case types. The Judicial Branch discourages the public from making any non-essential visits to court facilities.
(2) All jury trials currently underway should continue until the trial is complete, regardless of case type.
(3) For case types designated “High Priority” or “Super High Priority” in the Limited Court Service Case Priorities List, all court proceedings should continue as normal. Courts will schedule new jury trials as needed in those case types. Wherever possible, courts should explore the use of ITV/remote technology to conduct these hearings. The order also eases restrictions on the use of these technologies currently in Court Rules.
(4) For case types designated “Medium Priority” or “Low Priority” in the Limited Court Service Case Priorities List, all court proceedings (except jury trials currently underway, or cases where a speedy trial has been demanded) will be suspended for 14 days. No new jury trials in these case types should be scheduled for the next 30 days.
Each individual district court has begun communicating these changes to parties, attorneys, jurors, and justice partners. Going forward, court administration is authorized to implement workplace modifications to promote social distancing between employees, and between employees and the public.
The bottom line is this: If the defendant is out-of-custody, the Minnesota criminal case will most likely be continued for at least 14 days to fight the spread of the corona virus.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for a Minnesota DWI or are facing the forfeiture of your vehicle, contact Minneapolis DWI Lawyer, F. T. Sessoms today at (612) 344-1505 today!