Despite shelter-in-place orders in several jurisdictions throughout the state, Missouri courts are open and continue to hear a selection of cases.

Howard County Associate Judge Mason Gebhardt in a press release explained that while many routine cases have been pushed back to limit possible exposure in Missouri courtrooms, some cases are still being adjudicated.

“Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court order, we continue to hold hearings in restraining order cases as well as emergency mental health commitment cases,” Judge Gebhardt wrote in the press release. “I am the assigned judge for the Circuit for such matters, and I want to assure the public that we are taking every precaution at hearings to keep the number of people in the courtroom well below 10 at any given time. Further we are keeping all parties at a proper distance from each other during hearings to minimize any risk of transmission.”

Additionally, Presiding Circuit 14 Judge Scott Hayes is working in both Howard and Randolph counties to install software on all computers which would allow teleconferencing in those cases where the parties are represented by legal counsel. Judges continue to hear criminal cases where the defendant is in custody at either the Howard or Randolph county jails, or in the Department of Corrections. 

“We are ensuring that prisoners are not actually brought to court unless they intend to dispose of their case that day,” Judge Gebhardt explained. “In that event, we then transport each person in custody individually from the jail to the court, dispose of their case, and transport them back before bringing up the next defendant.”

Once the COVID-19 pandemic ends, judges will return to routine law days to deal with what will be a huge backlog of civil and criminal cases. “Our law days have been quite large prior to this, they will be enormous afterwards. We will do our best to get all civil and criminal cases heard as soon as possible, and I anticipate we will be holding court every day in both counties for many months so that each case may receive the time and consideration it deserves,” said Judge Gebhardt.

“I also want to thank the Circuit Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, County Sheriff, the Police Chiefs of all of our municipalities, as well as the staff of each of those agencies, for their continued hard work, patience and assistance.  All continue to put in the hours required to keep the system functioning,” said Judge Gebhardt.