Fresno County courts to stay closed due to coronavirus, with some exceptions, judge decides

Continued concern about the coronavirus pandemic, has caused the Fresno County Superior Court to remain closed until May 1, with some exceptions.

Criminal and civil courts have been closed to the public since March 23, after state and federal officials urged people to remain at home to prevent the virus from spreading.

Presiding Judge Arlan L. Harrell wrote in an email to the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender and others last week that the initial plan was to reopen on a limited basis on April. 8.

That plan changed as the number of cases in the central San Joaquin Valley has surged to more than 300.

A total of 10 people have died from coronavirus-related illnesses within Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Kings counties.

In the judge’s March 6 order, the court will remain closed except for several matters, including temporary restraining orders, emergency probate petitions, in-custody arraignments, and bail review.

The court will be closed to the general public and only those with business at the courthouse will be allowed inside.

Also all criminal jury trials scheduled between April 6 and May 1 will be continued to a new date.

The judge made an exception for ongoing trials, including the death penalty case of Kori Ali Muhammad. The jury deliberated for just one day before the court was temporarily shut down. They met again on Monday, but just briefly. They will return on April 13.

Muhammad is charged with shooting to death four men in April of 2107. If found guilty he could face the death penalty.

For more details on the Fresno County court closure visit the website at www.fresno.courts.ca.gov.