In response to concerns about COVID-19, the Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts have declared an emergency operations plan which will change the way in which the courts operate.
The Indiana State Department of Health, which is Indiana’s lead agency on COVID-19, has the latest information about the virus. The best approach is fundamental healthy practices, such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when sneezing, staying home when you are ill, and practicing social distancing.
The Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts are working with local emergency management and health departments to ensure we are taking the necessary steps in response to the virus.
Maintaining required court operations is important. The health and safety of our employees and community are equally important. Therefore, the Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts are adjusting the way the courts operate and are changing procedures in the following ways:
The Courts will continue to be open and hold essential emergency hearings during this time. This includes and is not limited to the following:
- Initial hearing for in-custody defendants
- Bond reviews
- Initial hearings on CHINS and continued initial hearings
- Fact findings for CHINS that are time sensitive
- Protection order hearings
- Civil commitments
- Probate mental health hearings
- Detention hearings for CHINS and juvenile delinquencies
- Any other hearing at the discretion of the Judge
With regards to Jury Duty, individuals who have received a jury summons for March 18, 2020 through May 4, 2020 should not report for jury service.
All attorneys/litigants/parties to a case who are scheduled to come to court for any hearing from March 18, 2020 through May 4, 2020 should consult mycase.in.gov or contact your attorney to receive the advice of counsel to verify your court date.
Indiana’s e-filing system is working. Cases and documents may continue to be filed in the Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts using the Indiana E-file system. Parties may continue to access information on their cases at mycase.in.gov or by contacting their attorney to receive the advice of counsel.
The Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts will continue to work tirelessly to make the decisions for the health and safety of its employees and the citizens who utilize our Courts daily, based on the information available from public health officials and other Hamilton County partners and stakeholders. The courts will continue to update the public as decisions are made.
Any questions regarding jail operations and visitation should be directed to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.