AURORA | Falling in line with umpteen businesses and institutions across the state, most courts in Aurora have announced upcoming delays and closures.
District and County courts in Arapahoe County were closed March 17 and 18, according to the Colorado Judicial Branch. State courts in Adams County only closed March 17 but reopened with scaled back dockets. Earlier in the weeks, courts in the 17th Judicial District suspended most jury trials for two weeks.
The Aurora Municipal Court on Tuesday announced it will close for two weeks beginning March 18.
The closures and delays were announced on the heels of an order handed down by the state Supreme Court Monday evening that curtails some court operations across Colorado. Handed down by Chief Justice Nathan Coats, the order stipulates that most jury calls – except those for criminal trials facing constitutional deadlines – will be suspended through the beginning of next month.
Jury selection in the trial of Dreion Dearing, a man accused of killing an Adams County Deputy two years ago, is still scheduled to proceed. The proceeding will ostensibly be delayed given the newly announced closure planned for March 17.
All upcoming state court proceedings in Adams County that are not “matters concerning public safety” have been vacated and continued, according to the state judicial branch. Parties with dates previously set through April 3 are instructed to contact the court or their attorney to reschedule.
Several high-priority proceedings, including permanent protection order hearings, bail setting, parental abduction prevention hearings and emergency mental health proceedings, among others, will continue.
Probation appointments in Adams County will be conducted via phone until April 3. People on probation can call staff in Brighton at 303-655-3800, in Commerce City at 720-437-6800 and in Broomfield and Westminster at 303-451-5555.
Many other state court proceedings in jurisdictions outside of Aurora, including protection order hearings and bond-related hearings for incarcerated defendants, will continue.
“We can no longer continue with normal business operations, but in the interest of all Coloradans we are also unable to cease operating entirely,” Coats said in a statement. “Balancing those factors, I entered today’s order.”
Anyone who has been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or may be experiencing symptoms is urged to stay out of state and municipal courthouses.
Monday morning, Emily Anderson, chief judge in the 17th judicial district, instructed judges and magistrates to continue eligible cases for at least one or two months, and conduct hearings via phone when possible.
Following the closures in the coming days, the number of people allowed in state courtrooms may continue to be limited in an effort to comply with so-called social distancing protocols, according to the state judicial branch.
Many court officials are permitting people to wear surgical masks and gloves in court rooms until further notice. Attendees may also bring small amounts of hand sanitizer into courtrooms and probation buildings.
Residents with questions about city court proceedings in the coming weeks are encouraged to call 303-739-6444.