Reopening of the Southern Division

Per the gating criteria that was adopted by the Court, local COVID-19 exposure risks in the Court’s Southern Division are decreasing, such that allowing additional in-court hearings is appropriate at this time.  Therefore, the United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the following regarding the reopening of the Southern Division.

Effective September 14, 2020:

• In-court hearings are permitted in the Southern Division as follows:
  • Hearings in emergency civil matters may proceed in court at the discretion of the assigned judge.  Hearings in non-emergency civil matters will continue to proceed by video and telephonic conference. 
  • Hearings in any criminal matter may proceed in court at the discretion of the assigned judge.  Hearings by video and telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters as set forth in Order of the Chief Judge No. 20-043.
• The Santa Ana Courthouse is open to persons with court business and subject to all posted restrictions.

Jury trials will not resume until further notice.  The Court continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and will provide updates concerning the Court’s operations as adjustments are made.  Please continue to wear facial coverings when seeking entry to the United States Courthouses or Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the Central District of California.

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Kiry K. Gray
District Court Executive/Clerk of Court
September 11, 2020