Cook County criminal, civil cases postponed 30 days

Many criminal and civil cases pending in Cook County circuit court will be postponed for 30 days per Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans' order issued late Friday.

The 30-day period runs from Tuesday, March 17 through April 15.

The modified operations were established to minimize the public health threat while maintaining access to justice, Evans said in a prepared statement.

"This is an unprecedented situation, and we may need to make more changes in the days ahead," Evans said.

Adult criminal matters, including trials and many hearings, will be postponed to a later date. However, bail hearings, arraignments and preliminary hearings set for the next 30 days will proceed. During this period, defendants may conclude their cases with a plea agreement if they choose. Additionally, a defendant may request a bail review during this time.

No criminal or civil jury trials will begin in the next 30 days. People who received summons for jury duty from March 17 through April 15 should not report. They will receive a new date.

Traffic and misdemeanor matters scheduled during this time are postponed, as well as nonemergency civil matters; Evans has ordered that no eviction or foreclosure orders be entered during the time period.

After marriage ceremonies conclude Monday, March 16, judges will not perform ceremonies for 30 days, Evans said.

Low- and medium-risk adults who are on probation will not have to meet with their probation officers in person. High-risk defendants, however, will continue to meet in-person.

Regarding juvenile defendants, only detention hearings and demands for trial will occur during the next 30 days.

Judges will continue to hear child abuse and neglect cases where the state seeks protective custody and emergency motions child abuse is suspected in foster care.

Grand jury proceedings will continue but will be held in courtrooms to allow more distance between jurors. Jurors currently serving on grand juries must continue to report to the courthouse.

Courthouses will remain open during this period.