Circuit Court Notice

Today I received an email from Chief Judge Joseph Getty of the Court of Appeals of Maryland.  His email addressed the evolving concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19 and the Omicron variant.  Here’s what he said:
                    While courts remain open with in-person proceedings as currently authorized I would like to take this opportunity to ask that you also do the following over the next few weeks while in judicial facilities:

• Hold all meeting or trainings virtually, or by telephone, whenever possible and to the maximum extent possible
• Wear masks at all times
• Do not eat together as this requires the removal of mask
• Maintain social distancing at all times
• If not still doing so, reinstitute temperature checks and questionnaire process for employees and those entering our buildings

Over the past few days, court and correctional leaders met and developed the following which coincide with the Chief’s recommendations:

• The jury priority meeting will continue to be held Wednesday afternoons and participants in jury trials set for the following week will be notified whether their trial has been selected to proceed.
• Beginning the first full week of January 2022 and until further notice, and in addition to other civil and criminal jury trials, the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD will select one jury trial per week involving an incarcerated defendant.  No defendant will be transported from the jail for trial if the Defendant has tested positive or is in quarantine.  
• All other court proceedings will be held remotely to the extent possible.  Check with chambers of the assigned judge or magistrate to learn whether your matter will be held in person or remotely.
• All visitors to the courthouse will participate in a temperature check and asked to respond to the questions in the attached document.
• The Register of Wills will be closed to the public for in-person meetings beginning December 22, 2021, through December 31, 2021, at which time the Register of Wills Office intends to review this policy.  Contact the Office at 240-777-9600.
• In compliance with the Administrative Order dated 8/8/21 all individuals entering the courthouse:
• Must wear a mask if over the age of two
• Masks shall cover the nose, mouth, and chin; a judge or magistrate may permit an individual to lower their mask if necessary to better hear the individual
• Social distancing of 6 feet shall be maintained
• While maintaining social distancing, masks may be lowered to eat, drink, or take medication
• Beginning 12/27/21 and until further notice, meetings with the Family Division Self Help Center will be by telephone or appointment only.  Call 240-777-9079 and leave a message.  Your call will be returned to schedule the appointment.  
• Beginning 12/27/21 and until further notice, the Law Library will only allow five individuals at a time to conduct research and to use MDEC File and Serve Kiosks.  Use of conference rooms will be by appointment only.  Call 240-777-9120 to make an appointment.
• The Licensing Department will perform wedding ceremonies by appointment only with a limit of 6 people (couple and 4 guests). Call 240-777-9460 for an appointment. 
• Notary Public renewals and initial appointment will be by appointment only and conducted outside the Maryland Ave. entrance.  Call 240-777-9460 for an appointment.
• Recording documents or researching in the Land Records will be by appointment only.  Representatives of the Land Records will meet individuals outside the Maryland Ave. entrance at 10:00 am, 12 noon, and 2:00 pm.  Call 240-777-9477 for an appointment.
• With the exception of those participating in the Citizen Complaint Bureau, visitors meeting with representatives of the States Attorney’s Office will be by appointment only.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to the time we all can get past these requirements.   

James A. Bonifant
Administrative Judge