The Christian County Justice Center will reopen to the public Monday, but there will be many social distancing restrictions in place and court will look much different.
Most of Christian County’s circuit and district judges and Circuit Court Clerk Paige Parker held a news conference Friday morning, announcing some of the new guidelines going forward.
Attorneys and court participants will be allowed to participate virtually via zoom if they desire during the pandemic, but they will need to call the justice center at least a couple days ahead of time to make the arrangements and to receive a link.
Those entering the building won’t be able to bring in a purse, no children will be allowed and no guests can accompany those who must attend a hearing.
District Judge Foster Cotthoff says expect to receive instruction from court security as you enter the building and everyone will be required to wear a mask inside.
Courtrooms are being arranged to allow for maximum social distancing and Family Court Judge Jason Fleming notes there will be additional sanitation efforts throughout the day.
Court dockets will remain somewhat reduced from normal and schedules have been altered to reduce foot traffic in the building.
Kentuckians have not been able to renew their driver’s license since March and Parker says that office will reopen Monday—though you won’t be able to congregate in the area. Text DL to 270-447-1721 when you arrive in the parking lot and you’ll be texted back when you can come inside.
Parker says there will soon be a form on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Department of Justice Circuit Court Clerk web pages for individuals to renew their license by mail, fax or email.
You can download that form here if you if your license expired between March 1 and June 30.
Circuit Judge John Atkins says while all of the measures will comply with regulations established by Governor Andy Beshear and Chief Justice John Minton, it’s important that the unusual times aren’t used as an excuse to avoid one’s day in court.
Everyone stressed the most important advice is to call the Justice Center at 270-889-6539 with any questions or concerns prior to arriving at the building.
You can also email the circuit court clerk’s office at christiancircuitclerk@kycourts.net or ask driver’s license related questions at christiancodriverslicense@kycourts.net.