August 25, 2020

Chief Judge Michael J. Distel, acting pursuant Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2020-14 , effective May 6, 2020 with approval of the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), has issued Local Administrative Order 2020 – 03 (Phase Two Court Reopening Plan) which includes:

State and local orders restricting movement and/or requiring shelter in- place have been rescinded or limited and the State Court Administrative Office has determined existing orders would not prevent the Court from implementing Phase Two requirements and in order to
facilitate the essential business of the court, the court is enacting the following measures related to court proceedings.

1. Proceedings will be conducted virtually to the maximum extent possible, consistent with Administrative Order No. 2020-6.
2. In-person court proceedings will be allowed on a limited basis. Restrictions include: limit the number of attendees to 10 in the courtroom, require masks of all attendees, separate desk protective shields for court recorders and judicial assistants.
3. Off-site visits with probationers and clients will not resume.
4. Large venues and common areas in the courthouse will be open for use. Members of the public are required to wear facemasks to the extent they can medically tolerate it. They will not be provided by the court prior to entry.
5. Pursuant to MCR 8.110(C), members of the public or staff who refuse to wear required face coverings or adhere to social distancing requirements may be asked to leave the court facility.
6. Any member of the public who is asked to leave the court facility must be offered an opportunity to conduct court business virtually, attend court proceedings virtually, file documents in an alternative manner, or confer with court administration to determine alternate arrangements for accessing the court.

The 61st District Court is regularly monitoring local public health conditions and data related to COVID-19 to assess their readiness to proceed to Phase Two of court capacity.

** Note: Beginning July 27th, 2020, Court window service hours of operation (for parking, traffic and court case/fine payments only) will be Monday thru Friday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.