Courthouse Stays Open, But Many Changes Made

JOLIET, IL — To address growing concerns in Illinois about the spread of the new coronavirus, Will County Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt has issued another statement regarding the ongoing use of the Will County Courthouse. The building will remain open, but a number of courtroom services are being changed, the chief judge revealed Tuesday.

Here's what the chief judge has decided to do:

• With the exception of branch courts, all court facilities will be open during normal business hours.
• Bail hearings, arraignments and motions to review bond will be conducted as per current practice unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge of the felony division.
• Each party litigant shall receive an amended notice in the mail, or email where appropriate, upon the rescheduling of their case. Litigants are encouraged to ensure that the clerk of the Circuit Court has their latest address on file. The Circuit Clerk's website will be updated to reflect these changes.
• All traffic, including Branch Courts, Conservation Violation, Civil Law and Ordinance Violation cases are continued to a date to be set by the court and notice will be sent by the Clerk of the Circuit Court to the last known address of each defendant. Litigants are also encouraged to check online with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for rescheduled dates. Statutory Summary Suspension hearings will remain as set.
• All Felony and Misdemeanor matters shall be heard at the direction of the presiding judges in those divisions. Plea agreements for any cases will be scheduled upon request. Jury trials will be held for any cases where the requirements for a defendant's right to a speedy trial so require.
• Juvenile Abuse and Neglect cases where the State seeks protective custody and cases where children are allegedly abused in foster care will continue as normal. Juvenile Delinquency cases will continue as normal including detention hearings and demands for trial.
• Dissolution, Family, Law, Chancery, Miscellaneous Remedies, Small Claims and other civil cases not specified elsewhere in this Order: Matters determined by the Court to be of an emergency nature will be heard in-person, by telephone conference or by video conference if possible. Discovery in civil cases will continue as scheduled. All cases including motions and pleadings may continue to be filed pursuant to Supreme Court Rule. All parties are encouraged to file documents with the Clerk electronically. All other civil matters shall be postponed and rescheduled unless the judge presiding in the case wishes to conduct such hearings by telephone or video. The Court will advise the attorneys/litigants should this option be required. The Clerk of the Circuit Court will notify all parties and counsel of the rescheduling of their case. All cases scheduled for jury trial will be continued until after the expiration of this administrative order. The Clerk of the Circuit Court will send notice to the parties.
• MENTAL HEALTH cases will continue as scheduled.
• PROTECTIVE ORDERS, all emergency and plenary Orders of Protection will continue as scheduled
• MANDATORY ARBITRATION cases and cases set for any form of mediation, including foreclosure mediation, will be rescheduled. Notice will be sent of the rescheduled date to the parties' last known address, or email address.
• E-FILING: All parties are encouraged to file all pleadings electronically through the Office of Circuit Clerk
• WEDDINGS: Weddings will continue as per normal practice. However, each couple will only be allowed one witness/family member to attend. Weddings will be limited to the first floor of the Courthouse.
• JURORS: Every effort is being made to limit the use of jurors during the duration of this administrative order. Jurors who have been summoned during the term of order are asked to contact the jury commission or check the website to determine if they are needed.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.
More from Patch:

• Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Will County
• Chicken-N-Spice To Keep Joliet Restaurant Going
• Coronavirus Crisis: Chicago O'Hare Airport Customs Overwhelmed
• Coronavirus Spreads To IL Long-Term Care Facility; Now 66 Cases
• All Illinois Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak