During these uncertain times, the 36th District Court wants you to know that we are doing our part to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you are likely aware, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020 as a result of the virus having entered our State.  Since our first priority and commitment is to the public and our staff, we are taking the following necessary steps to keep everyone safe.

To reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, we are following recommendations from the Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office. Therefore, effective March 16, 2020, judges will exercise their discretion by limiting their dockets to:

• Conducting all in-custody felony exams.
• Conducting all in-custody criminal bench trials.
• Conducting all in-custody and time sensitive jury trials.
• Conducting all in-custody traffic pre-trials via video conferencing.
• Conducting in-person civil emergency evictions (including lockouts) and Health Hazard cases only.
• Adjourning all civil, traffic and non in-custody (bond) felony and criminal matters scheduled through Sunday, April 5, 2020.

Magistrates will limit their dockets to:

• Conducting felony and traffic arraignments via video conferencing only.
• Conducting traffic civil infraction online pre-hearings.
• Adjourning scheduled traffic and small claims hearings through Sunday, April 5, 2020.

In addition, judges and magistrates will:

• Conduct video hearings whenever possible. Utilize conference calls and zoom technology whenever practical.
• Adjourn hearings with ill or medically vulnerable people.
• Adjourn trials if any party/participant to a case, juror or necessary witnesses are ill or demonstrate symptoms of illness.
• Work in partnership with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the Detroit Detention Center to increase video conferencing.

The Court is also suspending walk-ins beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice (check our website at www.36thdistrictcourt.org for updates). If you have an outstanding warrant, you will be able to post bond at the 36^th District Court 1^st floor cashier windows.

At this time we are also restricting entry into the building to only individuals who have matters at the Court. If you need to make a payment, please do so via mail, online, or at one of the DivDat kiosks located throughout the Metro Detroit area (see www.divdat.com for locations). You may also use your mobile device to access DivDat Mobile Pay.

Please understand that as one of the busiest courts in the nation, we are in a unique position when it comes to the number of users who enter our building. Therefore, it is essential that we take these steps to protect the people who work and conduct business at the 36^th District Court and to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you with any necessary information.

You can also stay informed by visiting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov and the State of Michigan’s website at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.