Coronavirus In McHenry County: Circuit Court Operations Updates

WOODSTOCK, IL — Court and government officials in McHenry County announced Monday that the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center and the 22nd Judicial Circuit remain open, however, only emergency and essential matters will continue to be heard in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's recent indication that he'll be issuing a modified executive order extending his previous stay at home order until May 31. Court officials said that in conjunction with the Illinois Supreme Court’s Order M.R. 30370, Chief Judge James S. Cowlin has entered the following updated order regarding the operation of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of McHenry County:

• All cases scheduled for trial through May 29 in the 22nd Circuit, McHenry County will be continued to a date certain by the judge assigned to said case.
• Cases in the civil and family divisions shall utilize remote access procedures as allowed by the judge assigned to the case to obtain a new status or trial date.
• In the case of criminal proceedings, any delay resulting from this emergency continuance order shall not be attributable to either the State or the defendant for purposes of section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 2018), pursuant to the authority granted to Chief Judges in Supreme Court Order M.R. 30370, trial continuances may be further extended as stated in Order M.R. 30370.
• The public shall make a good faith effort to comply with the Governor’s mandate to wear a face covering or mask when entering the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 28: 45,883 Cases; 1,983 Deaths; Don't miss updates about precautions in the Crystal Lake area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

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If you are required to attend the 8-hour Traffic Safety School at the McHenry County College, that course is now provided online. Please contact the McHenry County College at 815-479-7777, or email them at MCCTSS@mchenry.edu for further information.

According to the news release, court officials also ask that you please be aware when the 22nd Judicial Circuit returns to full operations, your case may be rescheduled to a time different from the past. The Court will be staggering start times to better manage the flow of people through the courthouse. Checking the Circuit Clerk’s website will help you arrive at the appropriate time. Check with your attorney to determine if your presence is required. Please do not bring friends or family members with you to the building.

The Court asks that you please do not attempt to enter the Judicial Center if you have:

• Flu-like symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath
• Been diagnosed with the coronavirus (or someone close to you has)
• Been directed to quarantine, isolate or self-monitor at home by any medical provider
• Traveled, within the last 21 days, to any country designated by the CDC as a high-risk locations for the coronavirus
• Had close contact with anyone who has traveled to any of these high risk locations.

More information: 22ndCircuitIllinois.org