The Christian County Justice Center will reopen to the public Monday after being closed since March due to the COVID-19 crisis, however, there will be a lot of changes due to social distancing and other restrictions.
Chief Circuit Court Judge John Atkins, District Judges J. Foster Cotthoff and Lindsey Adams, along with Family Court Judge Jason Fleming and Circuit Court Clerk Paige Parker held a news conference Friday morning to announce the new guidelines and restrictions at the Justice Center in order to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff.
Individuals who are scheduled to appear in court and attorneys will be allowed to participate remotely via Zoom, according to orders from the Kentucky Supreme Court. Those who desire to appear remotely will need to make sure to contact the Justice Center a couple a days before a court appearance to make arrangements and be given a link to connect remotely.
Judge Cotthoff says the health and safety of the public and staff are paramount and that is what they need to deal with first. He says there are some restrictions for anyone coming into the courthouse, including wearing masks.
Judge Fleming says courtrooms will be arranged to allow for social distancing and additional sanitation will be done between hearings.
Parker says the Driver’s License Office will also reopen Monday and she would like to take care of those persons whose license have expired lost or stolen between March 1 and June 30 by mail, fax, or email. She said a form will be created by the Department of Transportation.
She says all other individuals will need to come to the office. When you arrive in the parking lot you will need to text DL to 270-447-1722. She adds you will remain in your vehicle until you receive a text back letting you know when to come inside the building.
Judge Atkins says they expect everyone coming to the Justice Center when it reopens to be understanding and comply with the restrictions.
All four judges and Parker said the most important advice they could give to the public is to call the Justice Center at (270) 889-6539 with any court-related questions, driver’s licenses, or any other concerns. You can also send an email to the Circuit Court Clerk at christiancircuitcourt@kycourts.net or Driver’s License Office at christiancodriverslicense@kycourts.net.
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