In response to concerns and to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus, Lycoming County President Judge Nancy L. Butts, in consultation with and approval of the Judges of Lycoming County, has authorized the following actions to safeguard court and court-related personnel together with members of the public against unreasonable health risks while maintaining accessibility to the courts:
- With the exception of preliminary hearings, arraignments, bail hearings, bench warrant hearings, extraditions, PFA hearings, and other emergency matters, from March 17, 2020 until April 14, 2020, all criminal, civil, and family court matters, whenever possible, will be either continued or handled by telephone or video conference.
- Inmates will not be transported from the Lycoming County Prison or Pre-release Center for court proceedings. Incarcerated defendants will participate in court proceedings by video conference.
- Jury selection scheduled for March 30-April 3, 2020, is CANCELLED. All jury trials scheduled for the trial term April through May have been continued.
- All Magisterial District Justice (MD) offices have been asked to implement similar strategies to minimize public exposure. Members of the public who have matters scheduled before an MDJ should contact the MDJ office for further direction and guidance. Those individuals having to make payments to an MDJ are encouraged to make payments online via https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/PayOnline.aspx or via U.S. mail.
- Court employees will not be attending off-site conferences or trainings.
- Court events and meetings will be rescheduled or held via teleconference.
The Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas continues to monitor the latest developments in this rapidly changing situation. While COVID-19’s emergence has tested our public health professionals and systems, the Lycoming County Courts are confident that we will continue to make decisions that protect the public and our employees while ensuring continued due process and access to the Courts.
Anyone with questions should contact the Lycoming County Office of District Court Administrator at (570) 327-2330.
