Citing COVID-19-related concerns, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans entered an order that extends the postponement of many criminal and civil cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County through Monday, May 18.
The order also expands the use of videoconferencing for all court proceedings deemed necessary or emergencies during this time. The Office of the Chief Judge has been working with the justice system stakeholdersthe sheriff, clerk, state's attorney and public defenderon this increased use of video appearances.
Currently, all jail detainees with bail hearings at the Leighton Criminal Court Building appear in court via video. Video has also been used in several other areas of the court. The court anticipates more use of video every day, and all matters will be conducted via video no later than April 16.
Chief Judge Evans' order also closes three court facilities from April 6 through May 18: the Chicago branch courts at 5555 W. Grand Ave., 727 E. 111th St. and 3150 W. Flournoy St. Any emergency matters in those cases will be heard at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
This most recent order amends Evans' March 13 order that similarly allowed emergency matters to proceed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and postponed most cases until Thursday, April 16.