Coronavirus: Fresno County Superior Court to reopen on limited basis next week

Fresno County Superior Court is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, April 8 on a limited basis after having been closed for two weeks over concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The court had been closed to the general public since March 23.

Presiding Judge Arlan L. Harrell wrote in an email to the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender and others that the court will restart for limited criminal proceedings using departments 95 and 96 for in-custody arraignments in felony and misdemeanor cases.

The court will also rely more heavily on technology through the use of the app Zoom that allows for telephonic and video appearances.

“Even the judicial officer and court personnel may participate from remote locations in chambers, the courtroom, or their office,” Harrell wrote in his email. “Counsel will be able to appear telephonically and potentially through the Zoom video. “

Harrell said the technology is currently being tested with individuals in different locations downtown.

All criminal jury trials will be continued for 60 days as part of a statewide order issued by the California Supreme Court chief justice.

Harrell said he will allow two ongoing trials to resume, if counsel, jurors and staff are available and willing to proceed. One of those trials is the death penalty case of Kori Ali Muhammad, whose jury deliberated for one day before the court closure.

The judge also is putting safety measures in place, including making sure people are practicing social distancing – remaining at least 6 feet apart. There will be additional sanitizing of the common areas including stairwells and elevators.

For people out of custody who have a case, their cases will be continued until it is safe for all concerned.

“Should an out of custody defendant insist on going forward, we will handle the matter as best we can, mindful of the defendant’s rights and public health mandates,” Harrell wrote.