![]() ![]() Informing rentersĪt the start of eviction hearings, Watts informs attendees of Gov. Individuals should call the court first to find out the schedule, or make a request. At Manistee, the court is still having "walk-in" hearings, but they are telephonic. During some hearings, people were walking around outside, which caused distractions and seemed to impact their ability to understand what was happening.Įach justice court holds different types of hearings each day. However, participants should remember to focus during their hearings instead of multi-tasking. "I think you are providing better access to justice on something like that, that can be handled over the phone," Watts said. For example, people who have demanding work schedules or don't live close to the court are able to call in for a hearing. Telephonic hearings are more convenient for some people. Watts said he's noticed more renters are appearing, unlike when hearings are in person. ![]() Watts has seen a benefit with telephonic hearings when it comes to evictions. Luckily, judges have the ability to find a caller's phone number and mute the person themselves. “Are you… Can you hear me, sir?” the woman replied. “Ma’am, I need you to mute your phone because everybody else can hear your conversation and they can’t hear what I’m saying,” Watts told the woman. During Watts' hearings on Tuesday, one person had issues muting her phone. However, with this many people on a line, sometimes things can get complicated. People are asked to mute their phones until their name is called. Parties and the public are able to dial a number to connect into the hearing.Īround the time of their hearing, a person calls into the number and waits for the judge to call their case. The courts are using software that allows judges to dial a number to start the telephonic hearings. “As a judge, when people don’t necessarily tell you the whole story, it’s much easier to draw questions out of them if you can see them,” he told The Republic. The biggest change for Watts is not seeing many people in his courtroom. The Maricopa County Northwest Regional Court Center has installed sneeze guards for bailiffs and is planning to place them on cubicles for staff. One person asked the court if they could make ADA accommodations for his hearing, and the court was able to help. Watts encourages people to call the court if they have a question. People should contact the court for instructions on their case. The courts have created a new form for traffic violations that allows people to enter a plea by email.Ĭases may be filed by email, fax or through drop boxes outside the court facilities. People must wear masks and have their temperature checked by security as they enter. There are signs around the courts and on chairs reminding people to practice social distancing. Just like other courts around the area, Maricopa County justice courts have taken precautions to protect visitors. The 26 courts are located in 13 facilities. "There's huge responsibility in the court's eyes making sure everything is done according to the law." What are justice courts doing? "It is unique with this COVID-19, because people turn to the courts," he said. presidents stared back at the him and the bailiff. On Tuesday, Watts' docket was full of telephonic hearings, leaving his courtroom empty. The center is also home to three other justice courts, as well as branches of Maricopa County Superior Court and the Clerk's Office.īefore the pandemic, the center had more than 700 visitors daily. Manistee is housed in the Maricopa County Northwest Regional Court Center in Surprise. Manistee Justice Court Judge Donald Watts told The Arizona Republic that the pandemic is a confusing time. Most are being conducted by telephone, email or video. Visitors can still enter the facilities to get orders of protection. The courts are open, but have limited in-person proceedings. Maricopa County is home to 26 justice courts, which handle a variety of issues including small claims, evictions, traffic violations, DUIs and orders of protections. ![]() They are trying to spread awareness to their communities about legal resources while also addressing violators. Judges across Arizona are adjusting to a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]()
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