Emergency Court Directives and Executive Orders You Should Know About (Week of March 30)
News has been replete with the many measures being taken by the state government and the court system in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Here are some from last week that we want to make sure you did not miss:
Order from the Governor (No. 202.13 – March, 30, 2020) postponing several special elections and suspending or modifying, through April 28, a wide variety of statutes and regulations, including the Mental Hygiene, Banking and Insurance Laws, in addition to other edicts.
Order from the Governor (No. 202.12 – March, 28, 2020) postponing the New York State Presidential primary from April 28 to June 23, in addition to other edicts.
Order from the Governor (No. 202.11 – March 27, 2020) temporarily suspends or modifies, through April 26, a wide variety of statutes, local laws, ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations, or parts thereof, if compliance would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the coronavirus disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster.
A notice (March 27, 2020) from the Kings County Surrogate’s Court that it has administratively adjourned without date all matters that were returnable before Surrogate Margarita Lopez Torres on April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2020 and all matters that were returnable before Surrogate Harriet L. Thompson on April 9, 16, 20, 23, 30 2020. (Surrogate’s Court of Kings County, 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, phone number (347) 404-9700).
The New York City Family Court started (as of March 26, 2020) hearing by remote video appearances and/or by telephone the following matters: Child-protective intake cases involving removal applications; newly-filed juvenile delinquency intake cases involving remand applications; and emergency family offense petitions and writ applications where there is a court order of custody or parenting time. While virtual, the public can view the proceedings at the New York City Criminal Court Building at 100 Centre Street on the second floor, Part N.
New York City Criminal Court initiated (March 25, 2020) its second phase of videoconferencing arraignments. Going forward, all parties will participate in court proceedings by videoconferencing using Skype for Business. All arraignments will be virtual, with the Judge, prosecution and defense attorney and defendant all from remote locations. Non-COVID-19-involved defendants—those who have not tested positive for COVID-19 or are not in a high-risk group—will be brought to the central booking. COVID-19-involved defendants—those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are in a high-risk group—will be detained pre-arraignment to participate in video arraignments at either Midtown Community Court or Red Hook Community Justice Center.
A letter (March 25, 2020) from the New York City Law Department containing important information about its operations, including new procedures for serving legal papers.
