A. This rule is adopted and shall govern emergency modified court operations for the District Court of the Tenth Judicial District.

   B. These procedures and policies shall apply when it has been determined by the presiding judges that normal court operations are not possible.

   C. Emergency modified court operations shall be implemented by the presiding judges of the District and County Courts in consultation with local stakeholders, which shall include the County Board, local law enforcement officials, local health authorities, probation, and the District Court Clerk and County Court Clerk Magistrate.

   D. Notice of Emergency Modified Court Operations shall be posted at the Courthouses, through local media outlets and on District and County websites, or through any other method determined by the presiding judges.

   E. In the event normal court operations are interrupted, Emergency Modified Court Operations shall be implemented in order to maintain essential functions of the court, including:

   1. Criminal proceedings;

   2. Receipt of filings;

   3. Processing of warrants;

   4. Juvenile intake/ detention filings;

   5. Processing of appeals;

   6. Any proceedings required by law;

   7. Protection orders;

   8. Landlord/tenant proceedings; and

   9. Any other matters determined to be “essential” by the presiding judges.

   F. Depending on the reason for Emergency Modified Court Operations, the presiding judges shall develop procedures in order to carry on essential functions, which may include: use of remote technology, temporary physical relocation of the courts, alternate document filing methods, and access to the courts by the public.

   G. The presiding judges of the Tenth Judicial District shall determine when the courts shall return to normal operating procedures. Notification of the return to normal operating procedures shall be posted by the methods prescribed in section D, above.

Approved April 5, 2023.