As a result of COVID-19 outbreak, all jury trials have been suspended in Connecticut. Once the crisis passes, the Judicial Branch will reschedule those trials that did not go forward. During the pause in court business, the attorneys at Tremont Sheldon P.C. are working to prepare those cases for trial.
Which urgent issues are still being addressed?
Of Connecticut’s 13 different Judicial Districts, most courthouses are closed due to COVID-19, except for a handful of courthouses open with reduced hours. Those courthouses that remain open are operating with a reduced staff and, therefore, will only address certain urgent issues such as protective orders. If you have any questions about the court operations, please do not hesitate to call the attorneys at Tremont Sheldon P.C..
How can this affect my case?
The reduction in court processes is meant to keep the number of people in the courthouses to a minimum to prevent, when possible, further spread of the virus in public areas. Courts are currently scheduling and hearing legal matters pertaining to what has been termed, ‘Priority 1 Business Functions.’ These functions may include:
- Criminal arraignments and juvenile detention hearings.
- Domestic violence arraignments, family orders of relief from abuse, civil orders of relief from abuse, civil protection orders, and domestic violence victim notification
- Emergency ex parte orders of temporary custody, termination of parental rights, civil and family capias mittimus execution
- Bond reviews
The consequences to delayed civil litigation
In every type of civil litigation, there are certain time limits by which a lawsuit has to be filed. If the suit is not brought about in a timely manner, it could be subject to dismissal past the time period of eligibility. Due to concerns over compromised litigation with COVID-19 delays, the Governor has suspended those time limitations.
Tremont Sheldon P.C. continues to track the rapid changes in the law in order to represent our clients in these difficult times. Our firm will continue to conduct business in a safe manner, including offering video and conference calls so when the courts do open, we will be ready to move forward with your case.
