The declining COVID case counts in Berrien County in recent weeks brings good news on yet another front as the Berrien County Trial Court re-opens according to Phase II guidelines effective next Monday, February 1st.
The court system reports this afternoon, “In compliance with the Michigan Supreme Court’s Administrative Orders 2020-14 and 2020-19, the Berrien County Trial Court has been following the phased re-opening plan found in the MSC’s Return to Full Capacity plan. The Trial Court is pleased to announce that due to the declining rates of positive COVID-19 cases in the county, the Court may return to Phase 2 effective Monday, February 1, 2021.”
The Self-Help Legal Resource Center will remain open for e-mail and phone assistance only. Those who require the assistance of the self-help center, are asked to make contact at ext. 8790 or LRC@berriencounty.org.
The court, however, will not allow walk-in filings at this time. All filings must be completed by mail, drop box delivery, or e-mail.
Additionally, only parties to the case will be allowed in the facilities for the limited in-person hearings being scheduled. Hearings are available to the public as they have been during the pandemic through the court video request process at the court’s website and continue to be free of charge. Jury trials will continue to be live-streamed to the court’s YouTube page at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIK6TOjuFC4YZbrzbqrVdPw?view_as=subscriber
All individuals going into the Berrien Trial Court buildings will be required to complete a health screening prior to being admitted. All members of the public will be required to wear a face covering at all times while in the courthouse facilities. If any individual does not pass the health screening or is unwilling to wear a face covering, that individual will be turned away and given means to contact the court to reschedule their appearance or conduct their business with the court in another fashion.
At the St. Joseph courthouse, the Trial Court will be leveraging additional technology to check-in members of the public for their hearing. A text messaging system will be utilized to inform the public of when their case is being called, so individuals are encouraged to bring their cellular devices for ease of communication. Note that cell phones and other electronic devices are now allowed into courthouse facilities effective May 1, 2020 per MCR 8.115, however, no recording or photography is allowed and all devices must be silenced upon entry into the buildings.
While the Niles courthouse location will not be using a text messaging system for entrance at this time, attendees are still able to bring their cellular devices to the building under the same rules. Additional information regarding the use of cellular devices is posted at each public entrance and outside of each courtroom.
The public is encouraged to visit the Trial Court’s website at the link below for additional information, including how to contact each division of the court. Frequently asked questions are available on-line as well as full copies of all administrative orders. Here’s the direct link:
