The Supreme Court issued a judiciary emergency following the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to Governor Northam's state of emergency and President Trump's order to avoid gatherings of 10 or more, local courts will be closed immediately until April 6.
The Supreme Court ordered that non-essential and non-emergency proceedings in all circuit and district courts are suspended and all deadlines are extended.
With the closing of courts, eviction hearings will also be suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“It would be an absolute outrage for Virginians to be evicted from their homes during this emergency, especially as we are asking them to practice social distancing and stay home to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” said Attorney General Herring. “This temporary eviction suspension is particularly important for hourly wage earners who are more likely to lose income and not be able to pay their rent because of business closures. I want to thank the Supreme Court of Virginia for making this important decision to protect Virginians during these unprecedented times.”
There will be exceptions of emergency proceedings such as bond hearings, arraignments and hearings for emergency protective orders, while all criminal and civil matters will be continued after April 6.
Those who have a pending civil or criminal matter during closures should contact courts for new date.
All offices inside court houses will be closed including clerks' offices.
Stay with News 3 for coronavirus updates.
