In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have issued recommendations for minimizing exposure to and slowing the spread of the disease. These measures include practicing "social distancing," in which people must remain at least 6 feet away from each other, and canceling mass gatherings. In response, courts across Florida, including the Supreme Court of Florida, have issued orders to limit judicial proceedings to only mission-critical matters.
At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we are committed to keeping current and potential clients informed of changes to court processes that could affect their cases.
Below is a summary of the administrative order issued by the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit for Broward County:
From March 16 through May 29th, 2020, courthouses will not be operating as normal. Any non-essential matter will be canceled and rescheduled for a later date. However, if the case can be handled remotely, efforts will be made to do so. Additionally, grand jury and jury service, as well as civil and criminal jury trials, will be suspended.
Operating procedures will be adjusted for the following mission-critical events and proceedings:
- First appearances
- Arrangements for criminal cases
- Bail hearings for those in custody
- Juvenile detention hearings
- Juvenile dependency shelter hearings
- Hearings for appointments of temporary guardians
- Risk protection hearings
- Injunctions
- Warrants
- Petitions for judicial waiver of notice
- Proceedings for Baker Act and Marman Act
- Proceedings related to public health
If anybody must appear at a courthouse for a legal matter, they must practice social distancing.
If you’re involved in a criminal matter in Miami, and you have questions about your case or how the adjustments to the court proceedings might impact you, reach out to Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Our defense attorneys are here to help. We are also doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are offering phone or video consultations to discuss your case.
To speak with our team, call us at (305) 330-1360 or contact us online, and we’ll get back to you shortly.