Chief Judge Duncan M. Beagle announced that the Genesee County Probate and Circuit Courts moved into Phase 2 of the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) Return to Full Capacity Plan, effective May 14, 2021.
This change positions the courts to expand operations to permit more in person court proceedings and services.
Remote proceedings will remain as the primary method by which hearings are conducted, as the courts transition back toward a return to further in person court operations.
The Circuit Court Criminal Division anticipates a resumption of criminal jury trials on June 8, 2021, contingent upon a continuing decline in COVID19 spread and a further reduction in positive test rates.
“The courts have been working throughout the pandemic in different ways,
primarily using the Zoom application,” Judge Beagle said. “However, some court proceedings must be held in person.
Jury trials are the primary example of court events that must be conducted in the traditional manner. The first priority will be a resumption of criminal jury trials, to be followed by jury trials in other divisions of the court.”
The courts remain committed to compliance with the prevailing directives related to social distancing, face coverings and other measures designed to promote the safety and security of all court staff and participants.
