PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF MICHIGAN
THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
SUBJECT: State of Emergency - Court Protocols (Lincoln Hall of Justice)
Pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-2 (File No. 2020-8), Chief Judge Timothy M. Kenny orders that the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan (Third Circuit Court) shall remain open for essential services. All divisions of the courts are ordered to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to no more than 10 persons, including staff, and to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only essential functions. The Family Division-Juvenile shall provide the following essential operations:
- Juvenile proceedings heard at the Lincoln Hall of Justice/or Juvenile Detention Facility:
- The Court shall hear emergency proceedings for abuse/neglect cases;
- The Court shall hear safe delivery of newborn child proceedings;
- The Court shall hear permanency planning hearings, if one has not occurred within the previous 365 days;
- The Court shall hear preliminary hearings and disposition hearings for detained youth;
- The Court shall hear waiver hearings for youth to be charged as or with the rights attributed to an adult
The Court further orders that all operations not outlined above, including bench trials, shall be conducted remotely using two-way interactive video technology or other remote tools. Those matters that cannot be conducted remotely shall be adjourned until after April 3, 2020.
Please be advised that Clerk operations will be staffed to handle essential services identified in the Court's Declaration of a State of Emergency. Non-essential operations will be processed as staffing levels permit.
In the interest of public health, the public is encouraged not to attend court proceedings unless necessary. Any inquiries may be directed to Juvenile Division Deputy Court Administrator Richard Smart at (313) 833-4777.
Dated: March 19, 2020