Unsurprisingly, the Massachusetts court system just issued a new round of orders related to COVID-19. These only apply to state court and not federal court.
Among the newest orders, which take effect June 1st, here are some of the highlights:
- Courts will continue to conduct emergency and some non-emergency hearings virtually. Most hearings are being conducted by telephone, although there have been a small but growing number of video hearings as well.
- A very small amount of in-person emergency hearings are allowed, with permission of the presiding judge of that courthouse.
- GPS bracelets can be installed at the courthouse, with an order from the judge.
- All trials are being postponed. No jury trial will take place before September 8, 2020. No bench trial (trial w/out jury) will take place before July 1, 2020.
- All speedy trial rights are waived during this extended period.
- All civil statutes of limitation are tolled until June 30, 2020 and criminal statutes of limitations are tolled until August 31, 2020.
While the order is silent as to clerk magistrate hearings, it seems a fair guess that none will be held until we can get back into the courthouses in person for non-emergency hearings.
Our defense attorneys are still working diligently during the pandemic. If you have questions, call us at 781-797-0555 for a free telephone consultation today.
