December 14, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Due to a COVID-19 outbreak among court staff and officers, in-person proceedings in all DeKalb County Courts are being temporarily suspended from the close of business Tuesday, December 15 to Monday, January 18.
Ronald Thurman, Chancellor and Presiding Judge in the 13th Judicial District and Gary McKenzie, Criminal Court Judge and Presiding District Judge Pro Temp signed the order Monday, December 14.
Under the court’s order, “All in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in DeKalb County, including, but not limited to, municipal, juvenile, general sessions, and state trial courts are hereby suspended from the close of business Tuesday, December 15, 2020 until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18. 2021”.
“The judiciary of this district has monitored developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic closely. In recognition of an outbreak among court staff and officers, and consistent with the obligations imposed by the Tennessee Supreme Court’s order of March 25, 2020, the undersigned (Chancellor Thurman and Judge McKenzie) deem it necessary and appropriate at this time to take temporary measures to balance the interests of justice with the interests of public health,” the order stated.
According to Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin, if you were scheduled for a Wednesday or Thursday appearance in General Sessions Court between December 15 and January 18 your new court date is Wednesday January 20 and Thursday, January 21.
If you were scheduled to be in Criminal Court before Judge Gary McKenzie on January 13 your new court date is February 19.
The DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerks Office remains open weekdays between December 15 and January 18 except for December 23-25 and January 1.
Martin asks that if you need services from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office but have been tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone within the past 10 days who has had a positive test, please do not enter the courthouse. Call the office at 615-597-5711 or take advantage of the online services at http://www.dekalbtennessee.com/circuitcourtclerk.html
The temporary suspension order provides for a few exceptions.
The following in-person proceedings shall continue as scheduled:
“Proceedings necessary to protect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including bond related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals;
Proceedings related to relief from abust, including but not limited to orders of protection;
Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders;
Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child protection;
Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief;
Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders;
Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons;
Other exceptions as approved by the presiding judge of the 13th Judicial District”.
Judges’ offices and court clerks offices shall remain open during this temporary suspension. Physical access to these offices is hereby restricted during the suspension of proceedings contemplated by this order, though offices shall remain accessible by telephone.
Judges shall work with local law enforcement and other county officials to ensure that, to the extent possible, courthouses remain accessible to carry out essential constitutional functions and time sensitive proceedings.
Under the terms of this order, the courts of DeKalb County remain open consistent with the Judicial Branch’s obligation to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19.”