The Court is closely monitoring developments on the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its impact on court operations. To inhibit transmission, public health officials recommend mitigation strategies including practicing social distancing, minimizing large gatherings, and utilizing good hygiene practices.
In an effort to protect the health and safety of court users and court employees, the Court announces the following strategies:
· The Court is restructuring the court schedule at the Indiana County Courthouse to minimize large gatherings. The Indiana County Court of Common Pleas remains open.
· Jury selection for March 23, 2020 and jury trials scheduled for the week beginning March 23, 2020 are canceled. Jury selection is canceled for jurors summoned for March 23, 2020 only.
· Any party required to attend a scheduled court proceeding is requested to limit the number of observers attending. If a party is sick and cannot attend a proceeding, please contact the Court Administrator’s Office at 724-465-3955; the Court will decide rescheduling requests on a case by case basis. Those individuals represented by an attorney should contact the attorney to notify the Court.
· Any citizen having any business to conduct at the Indiana County Courthouse should call 724-465-3800 prior to visiting. You may be able to conduct your business via telephone or other option.
· Court proceedings at the Magisterial District Courts are canceled through April 14, 2020. This includes the District Courts located on Water St. in Indiana, Franklin St. in Clymer, West Indiana St. in Homer City and East Market St. in Blairsville. Criminal preliminary hearings with incarcerated defendants will be scheduled with the defendant appearing via video during this time period. The District Court offices will remain open for other business except for the acceptance pf payments. For any party that is required to make a payment to a Magisterial District Court, the use of PAePay is suggested. Please visit https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/ePay/Default.aspx. Payment is also accepted by mail.
In-person payments will not be accepted until after April 14, 2020; however, a grace period will be extended through April 14, 2020.
For more information, please contact the Indiana County Court Administrator’s Office at 724-465-3955.
