Circuit Court for

Anne Arundel County

COVID-19 Response Plan for the Progressive Resumption of Full

Function of Judiciary Operations

June 5, 2020

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Action Plan for Circuit Court Facilities ....................................................................................................................................................3 Medical Screening..............................................................................................................................................................................................3 Social Distancing ................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Wearing of Masks ..............................................................................................................................................................................................4 Filing of Case Documents ...............................................................................................................................................................................5 Deliveries ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................5 Wearing of Gloves ..............................................................................................................................................................................................5 Public Entrances.................................................................................................................................................................................................5 Public Access to Case Files .............................................................................................................................................................................5 Staff Safety ............................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Facilities Modification .....................................................................................................................................................................................6 Sanitizing Common Areas ..............................................................................................................................................................................7 Handling Positive Cases ..................................................................................................................................................................................7 Handling Presumptive Cases ........................................................................................................................................................................8 Court Files .............................................................................................................................................................................................................9 Loose Papers ........................................................................................................................................................................................................9 Courthouse Doors ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Parking ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Incoming Mail (including Packages) and Deliveries ....................................................................................................................... 10 Security Screening Stations ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Escalation Plans ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

CASE MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE RESUMPTION OF COURT OPERATIONS: ................. 12

Criminal Plan .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Arraignments .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Status Conferences ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Plea Agreements ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Violation of Probations ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Drug Court ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Family Law Plan............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Guardianships .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Remote Hearings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Additional Information ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Juvenile Plan ................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Delinquency ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Remote Hearings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 CINA ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Remote Hearings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Civil Plan........................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Remote Hearings ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Note: Attachments A, B and C, appear at the end of this document.

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Introduction

Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and consistent with the guidance

issued by the Centers for Disease Control, the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals ordered all courts in the Maryland Judiciary to adhere to restricted, emergency operations and close to the

public with limited exceptions beginning March 17, 2020. On May 22, 2020, the Chief Judge of

the Court of Appeals issued an administrative order directing a phased approach to resumption of full judiciary operations to begin June 5, 2020.

Phase I: March 16, 2020, through June 5, 2020 Phase I is the state of emergency operations consistent with the Fourth Amended Administrative Order Expanding and Extending Statewide Judiciary Restricted Operations Due to the COVID-19 Emergency, filed May 4, 2020. Phase II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020 In Phase II, the court will expand the scope of matters to be heard both remotely and on-site, including matters that were postponed or deferred during restricted operations, as well as matters that must be prioritized. The Offices of the Clerk of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court will remain closed to the public with limited exceptions. Court activities will proceed with restrictions to limit the concentration of individuals and allow social distancing, consistent with guidance of the CDC or MDH or both. Phase III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020 In Phase III, the court will hold a broader range of matters, including certain non-jury trials and as well as additional prioritized matters, with limited in-person services. The Offices of the Clerk of the Circuit Court will be open to the public. Court activities will proceed with continued restrictions to limit the concentration of individuals and allow social distancing, consistent with guidance of the CDC or MDH or both. Phase IV: August 31, 2020, through October 4, 2020 In Phase IV, the court will resume all non-jury trials and contested hearings in criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters. There will be no jury trials. There will be continued restrictions to limit the concentration of individuals and allow social distancing, consistent with guidance of the CDC or MDH or both. Phase V: October 5, 2020 In Phase V, the court will resume full operations, including jury trials. The court will continue restrictions to limit the concentration of individuals and allow social distancing, consistent with the guidance of the CDC or MDH or both

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To prepare for increased court operations at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Administrative Judge Laura S. Ripken institutes the following COVID-19 Response Plan for the

progressive resumption of full function of court operations, observing best practices to protect

the safety of court employees and the public, and to enable the phased resumption of all court processes.

It is acknowledged that the COVID-19 virus will be impacting the community and the courts for a substantial period of time and continued adjustments may be required. Accordingly, this plan

may be in place for an extended period. The court’s reopening will be a gradual, phased approach.

This plan recognizes the nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) - that it is spread from person

to person, that its symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness, and that a person can become infected by coming into close contact (about six feet) with a person who

has COVID-19.1 The steps the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County is taking align with the

Center for Disease Control (CDC) and State of Maryland guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks, frequent hand washing and frequent touch point cleaning.

Procedures established throughout this report may need to be modified due to such future orders from the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and/or the Governor of the State of Maryland.

Action Plan for Circuit Court Facilities The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County will continue to follow recommendations regarding

medical screening, social distancing and wearing of masks. This plan also addresses issues related to the filing of case documents, courthouse deliveries, wearing gloves, public entrances,

and public access to case files. Each item in this plan will be evaluated at each stage of increased operations.

Medical Screening 1. Screening questions (Attachment A) will be administered to everyone who enters the

Circuit Court building from the Church Circle main entrance as well as those authorized

to enter from the loading dock.

2. Automatic temporal thermometer checks will continue as and will be evaluated at each phase of increased court operations.

1 “What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others”, cdc.gov/coronavirus

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3. If an individual is denied access, they will be provided with a contact list (Attachment C) in order to make the appropriate court department aware.

Social Distancing 1. To the extent reasonably practicable, uniform social distancing of six feet will be

instituted in all areas of the courthouse building, including but not limited to, public

common areas, elevators, restrooms, conference and meeting rooms, galleries, courtrooms, hearing rooms, waiting areas, break rooms and kitchens.

2. Floor markings (tape or decals) will be placed at various locations for social distancing.

3. No person may ride on an elevator containing other persons, unless all persons are wearing a face mask, scarf, or other device. Here the social distancing guideline of six

feet will be relaxed, however, the maximum elevator capacity is set at three people standing on marked locations. Use of stairwells is encouraged.

Wearing of Masks 1. The April 15, 2020, Administrative Order of Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County

Administrative Judge Laura S. Ripken, is extended until further notice. This Order

requires that all persons entering the Circuit Court shall wear a mask or other nose and

mouth covering. However, any courthouse employee who is asymptomatic and not sharing an office space or cubicle with another person, or who can maintain a distance

of at least 6 feet from co-employees or others even though sharing an office, may remove

a mask or other nose and mouth covering while in such office.2 Judges, once on the bench, will have discretion to wear or remove their mask.

2. Face masks continue to be required in all public areas, including, but not limited to the

following: when delivering mail throughout the courthouse; during all court proceedings; and while riding elevators. All security personnel shall wear masks at security screening stations.

The Court, to the extent available, will provide single-use masks for anyone who must

enter the courthouse and who is not in possession of a mask or other nose and mouth

covering. Supplies will be maintained at the Church Circle main entrance to the building in the Museum Room as well as any other locations identified by the Sheriff. Employees

are encouraged to use personal, washable masks when in the Courthouse. If anyone

refuses to wear the appropriate face covering, they may be denied entry into and/or removed from the building.

2 “Maryland Strong, Roadmap to Recovery,” April 24, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan, page 22.

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Filing of Case Documents 1. Case documents should be filed electronically utilizing the Maryland Electronic Courts

(MDEC) program. If filing electronically is not possible for any litigant, filing should be

done through the physical drop box located in the main lobby of the courthouse during operating hours until further notice.

2. Sheriff Deputies at the Church Circle main entrance will call the appropriate Clerk of the Court Department regarding acceptance of filings unable to fit in the physical drop box.

Deliveries Screening questions (Attachment A) will be administered to all delivery and contractor personnel who enter the building via any entrance to the courthouse.

Wearing of Gloves The decision to wear latex gloves will be left to individuals working throughout the courthouse, and during all court proceedings. Frequent hand washing by employees is essential.

CDC guidelines3 regarding How to Protect Yourself & Others provides up to date information3. All managers and employees should check this page frequently.

Public Entrances Current 100% security screening stations will remain fully functional at the Church Circle main entrance. Restructuring the security screening layout at the Church Circle main entrance has

been done pursuant to the recommendations of the Sheriff’s Office and it is anticipated that this work will be completed prior to increased courthouse operations.

Public Access to Case Files The public kiosk which has been placed in the attorney lounge on the second floor of the

Historic Courthouse building will remain in place to allow case files to be viewed by the media

and/or public. Currently no appointments are required. Additional public kiosks will be added if volume increases. If appointments become necessary, a system will be developed by the Clerk

of the Court.

Safety Procedures

It is the goal that all employees, as well as other inhabitants of the courthouse, work in a safe environment. Uniform implementation of the following procedures by each organization

3Center for Disease Control, Preventing Getting Sick FAQ, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

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occupying offices within the courthouse (Court Administration; Clerk of the Court; Office of the State’s Attorney; Register of Wills; Orphans Court) is required.

Staff Safety All court departments shall continue to work consistent with the phase of reopening. The

number of people in the courthouse should be minimized to the extent possible as the court

slowly increases its workload. Each organization within the courthouse is encouraged to determine how best to continue teleworking, as appropriate, and to limit the number of

employees who can safely practice the six feet social distancing guideline. Alternatively, each

organization is encouraged to use staggered shifts or on/off days to enable social distancing when work environment configuration impedes compliance. Some departments will be asked

to continue working remotely until further notice. This does not apply to Judges who will be in chambers with limited staff.

The leadership from each organization is to conduct a workspace survey and immediately begin

reconfiguration to ensure six feet of social distance exists between the public and co-workers. One-way hallways will be utilized where possible, with limited shared spaces within work

areas. Leadership from each organization shall report its plan for safe configuration to the Court Administrator.

To ensure the safety of employees who directly serve the public, physical barriers have been

installed at all front desk locations throughout the courthouse. Additionally, hand sanitizer stations have been added at the entrance to each courtroom and at various other locations throughout the building.

Facilities Modification Throughout the courthouse, social distancing has been reviewed by the Court in consultation

with the Department of Health and the Anne Arundel County Central Services Officer. The following determinations have been made:

• Courtrooms: An adjustable assessment of social distanced courtrooms projects that courtroom seating, not including attorney tables, will be restricted to 8-12 people in

the benches in Courtrooms 2A, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 4A and 4B with

Courtroom 4C restricted to 24-36 people in the benches. • Magistrate Hearing Rooms are approximately one half the size of a courtroom,

therefore will be restricted to 4-6 people in the benches

• Courtroom trial tables: the lawyers will be at opposite ends of the two trial tables.

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• Defendants coming up from lock up shall remain seated close to the lockup entry doors to each courtroom. If the Defendant needs to speak with his/her attorney, the

attorney shall cross the courtroom and do so.

• Non-incarcerated Defendants shall be seated in the first bench closest to the defense attorney table.

• Public common areas: installation of signage and removal of seating will be done

as necessary. • Elevators: installation of signage will be done as necessary along with floor

markings indicating where up to three occupants must stand.

• Conference and meetings rooms: closure of designated small meeting rooms, removal of seating in large rooms, and installation of signage will take place as

necessary.

• Waiting areas (e.g., Case Management, Clerk Department front counters, etc.): Appointment-only services, installation of signage, installation of plastic barriers at

front counters, removal of seating in waiting areas will take place as necessary.

• Law Library: The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County Law Library will be closed until further notice. The library space will be used for social distancing of

litigants/attorneys/witnesses waiting for hearings.

• Family Law Self Help Center: remote service options will be available. • Break Rooms and Kitchens: removal of tables and seating have been completed in

Lisa’s Luncheonette. Judicial hallway common break areas shall be limited to one person in the room at a time with mask.

Sanitizing Common Areas Accelerated cleaning of “high touch” areas by County and contract cleaning staff will continue. Areas include, but are not limited to, doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, table tops, glass barriers, and light switches.

Courthouse staff shall keep office areas sanitized throughout the day as common devices are

used. Supplies will be available to enable staff to self-clean following the use of frequently accessed devices such as copiers, phones, desk tops, kitchen appliances, etc.

Handling Positive Cases If an employee is infected by COVID-19 and has entered the court, upon notification, the organization’s representative shall:

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1. Contact the infected employee to retrace his/her steps and determine who may have been within six feet of contact. If possible, complete the COVID-19 Contact

Inquiry/Investigation Questionnaire (Attachment B). Alternatively, County employees

may report directly to COVID-19 Health Line at the Anne Arundel County Health Department: 410-222-7256 (Mon-Thur 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Fri 7:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sat-

Sun 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) Email: covid19info@aacounty.org. The entry generates a

case managed by a nurse who performs the contact tracing and advises who to quarantine.

2. Notify the Anne Arundel County Health Department. If the infected employee is a State

Judiciary employee, contact Human Resources Department, Employee Relations at AOC as well.

3. In coordination with the Administrative Head, contact by telephone all employees and

outside personnel who may have had contact with the infected employee as soon as possible.

4. Advise the employees who had contact with the infected employee that they shall self-

quarantine for up to 14 days and they must follow any directive from Anne Arundel County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health, or their healthcare

provider. Documentation to be provided, upon request, as consistent with HIPPA and

other legal mandates. 5. Coordinate with Court Administration who will communicate with Anne Arundel County

Central Services regarding the sanitizing and cleaning of the courthouse, with specific attention to all areas visited by the infected employees.

Handling Presumptive Cases When an employee reports possible exposure to COVID-19, the organization shall designate a representative to confidentially complete the COVID-19 Contact Inquiry/Investigation Questionnaire (Attachment B) to determine:

1. What areas of the workplace the employee visited during the last 24 hours.

2. How long the employee was in contact with the other persons in the workplace:

designating the time period by more or less than 5 minutes and obtain a list of names to include on the form.

3. How close the employee was to other persons in the workplace: Specifying more than

six feet or less than six feet. 4. Whether the employee coughed or sneezed within six feet of other employees and

whether any employees present during this episode were wearing masks.

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5. Whether there were any other circumstances (riding in same vehicle, shared food, etc.) that could result in community exposure

Upon completion of the questionnaire, the form shall be sent to the following email: covid19info@aacounty.org. For State employees, the form shall also be submitted to the Judiciary’s Human Resources Department.

If the case turns from presumptive to confirmed, the organization shall:

1. Notify the Anne Arundel County Health Department. If a State Judiciary employee, contact Human Resources Department, Employee Relations.

2. In coordination with each organization’s representative, contact by telephone all

employees and outside personnel who may have had contact with the infected employee as soon as possible.

3. Advise the employees who had contact with the infected employee that they shall self-

quarantine for up to 14 days. 4. Coordinate with Court Administration who will communicate with Anne Arundel County

Central Services regarding the sanitizing and cleaning of the courthouse with specific attention to all areas visited by the infected employee.

Employees with a presumptive case will be asked to go home immediately and contact their

physician for testing. Unless a negative test is received, the employee will need to stay home 14 days. The employee may return once medically cleared to return to work.

Court Files All court files should be accessed electronically through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC)

program. The moving of any paper through the courthouse should be minimized wherever possible.

Loose Papers Each Judge’s chambers and Magistrate’s office will continue to have a mail bin that is placed adjacent to the judicial elevator on each floor – mail will continue to be delivered to those

locations daily by the Clerk of Court mailroom staff. Additionally, at each of those locations,

there will continue to be a drop-off/pickup bin for items that need to be mailed or brought to one of the Clerk of Court departments. Latex gloves are available at each location for handling mail or other items by chambers staff.

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Courthouse Doors Although open doors eliminate a touch point, doors should not be propped open for security and safety reasons. This does not include the front door when opened by Sheriff Deputies.

Parking We want our staff to be safe whether in the courthouse or parking facilities. Parking in the

judicial parking garage continues for those individuals with assigned parking spots. Masks shall be worn in the parking garage as required in other areas of the building. Staff parking at area parking facilities should observe all mask-wearing requirements set by the county and state.

Incoming Mail (including Packages) and Deliveries It has been recently reported that paper is a low risk transmitter of the COVID-19 virus. Among findings of a National Institute of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases4

study on “Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1”, SARS-

CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 remained viable in aerosols for 3 hours and, “SARS-CoV-2 was more stable on plastic and stainless steel than on copper and cardboard, and viable virus

was detected up to 72 hours after application to these surfaces.” It is important to note that

less than 0.1% of the starting virus material remained on plastic and, “on cardboard, no viable SARS-CoV-2 was measured after 24 hours.” Mail to the courthouse goes through several steps,

the final step being delivery from the county mail room to the court’s mail room. Mail is

delivered on the day after it arrives at the county mail room. At this time, no additional changes to incoming mail deliveries will be made. The court will continue to move forward with clearing

out the room that was built/designed for the processing of mail. That space has a separate ventilation system which is a priority.

Security Screening Stations Security screening staff should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as determined by the Sheriff for Anne Arundel County. The Sheriff’s Office has developed and

executed plans to line bins that pass through the x-ray machines containing personal property

with a disposable protective sheet. Plastic bags may also be used and will be disposed of after use by the individual. Bins will be regularly sanitized throughout the day. With the help of the

Anne Arundel County Health Department and Central Services Officer, the court will determine

appropriate floor markings designating queuing distance on the floors at the Church Circle main entrance.

4 New England Journal of Medicine on March 17, 2020. (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973

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Escalation Plans A representative from each organization housed in the courthouse (Court Administration;

Court Clerks; State’s Attorney’s Office; Register of Wills) will be designated by that organization

to share information about presumptive and positive case findings. Each organization shall create escalation procedures to provide employees with a clear path to ask questions, identify

issues, and seek resolution of concerns. As many employees will remain concerned about their

physical well-being, escalation procedures will reinforce our commitment to keep employees safe and healthy while working at the courthouse.

Conclusion Within public areas of the courthouse, Court Administration will continue to post information

on the benefit of frequent handwashing, CDC facts on signs and symptoms, and related

procedures. Signage may be increased as necessary. Each organization occupying space within the courthouse should routinely educate employees on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19,

encourage employees to stay home or work from home if experiencing any signs or symptoms,

perform frequent handwashing, wear masks or other nose and mouth covering, keep areas clean and sanitized, social distance, and comply with guidelines in place for movement throughout the courthouse.

Each organization occupying the courthouse should have a plan for its employees, detailing how

that office will navigate each phase as the court moves from very restricted, emergency operations to a return to full operations.

Our court and our staff have been performing their daily job functions, holding hearings, and

responding to public inquiries in person and remotely. Expansion and improvement occurs daily and is expected to continue. Preparation such as that which has occurred will allow movement between the phases as necessary.

Furthermore, personnel who are medically vulnerable; or are otherwise vulnerable (over 65

with serious underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease,

diabetes, obesity, asthma, or those whose immune systems are compromised, such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy)5 should consult with their

supervisors regarding their return to the courthouse. Managers should explore appropriate

options. The staff of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County is commended for its preparation, creativity, work ethic and leadership during this challenging time.

5 NSCS Considerations in Resuming Court Operations, A Pandemic Resource from NCSC, May 1, 2020, Version #1

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Case Management Plans for the Resumption of Court Operations:

Criminal Plan The Criminal Law DCM judge conducted a review of criminal matters that are scheduled in the coming months, including those that were postponed or rescheduled due to the restricted court

operations related to the COVID-19 emergency. The Court is tasked with re-setting and

prioritizing hearings in accordance with the May 22, 2020, Administrative Order on the Progressive Resumption of Full Function of Judiciary Operations Previously Restricted Due to

the COVID-19 Emergency issued by The Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Maryland.

Phase II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020

1. Bail reviews, bail reconsiderations and bench warrants

2. Arraignments

3. Status Conferences 4. Drug Treatment Court

5. Extradition cases

6. Matters involving competency, criminal responsibility (without testimony); discovery issues; Hicks issues

7. Sentencings that were previously deferred for non-incarcerated defendants

8. Plea agreements as appropriate 9. Motions that can be handled remotely/without testimony

Phase III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020

1. Motions

2. Expungements 3. Violations of Probations

4. Non-jury trials as appropriate

5. Jury prayer status hearings 6. Additional deferred sentencings

Phase IV: August 31, 2020, through October 4, 2020

1. Post-conviction hearings

2. Three (3) judge panel sentence reviews Phase V: October 5, 2020

1. Jury Trials

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Arraignments The Court has continued to hear arraignments for incarcerated individuals during the

emergency. The majority of the arraignments that were postponed during the COVID-19 crisis

involve individuals who are not incarcerated. Arraignments will be scheduled during the first few weeks of June during Phase II. Once these initial arraignments are completed, the Court will return to the previous procedure, wherein arraignments will be heard on Mondays.

Status Conferences Status Conferences will be held Mondays through Thursdays for the first several weeks of Phase

II. They will be conducted in two (2) courtrooms with staggered dockets at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The docket size will be limited to ten (10) cases per session.

These conferences will be conducted remotely. Call in instructions will be sent in advance. Due to the large number of cases, the dates and times assigned will not be changed.

For Jury Trial Prayers and Appeals from the District Court, the Circuit Court will issue a notice for a Status Conference to take place at least four weeks from the date of the jury prayer or the

appeal is noted. These will occur on Wednesdays. The “Next Wednesday” procedure will resume at a later date.

Plea Agreements Guilty pleas will continue to be heard on Fridays in three (3) courtrooms.

Guilty pleas for incarcerated defendants will be conducted via video or phone conference. Defense counsel will participate via the Court’s conference call line. Probation Orders will be processed in the courtroom with assistance from the Detention Center.

With limited exception as indicated below, all guilty pleas for non-incarcerated defendants

and/or house arrest participants will take place in the courthouse. Defense counsel and the

defendant must personally appear. The State may personally appear or appear remotely via conference call. These “in-person” proceedings will be scheduled in such a manner to ensure social distancing requirements.

Alternatively, guilty pleas for non-incarcerated defendants and/or house arrest participants for

which there is a joint recommendation for no active incarceration, or no additional active

incarceration, will take place via conference call from the defendant’s attorney’s office utilizing the safety precautions. Probation Orders will be processed in the courtroom and sent by email

to the defense attorney. The defense attorney will print the Probation Order and ask the

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defendant to sign it. Then the Probation Order will be scanned and returned by the defense attorney to the courtroom clerk.

Beginning in Phase II there will be no restrictions on the types of plea agreements that the Court will hear. If a plea hearing is scheduled, the Status Conference will be canceled. Counsel will

schedule plea hearings by e-mailing Judge Michael Wachs and his administrative assistant, Becky Johnston.

Violation of Probations The Court anticipates taking VOP admissions for incarcerated defendants after July 1, 2020. These will be scheduled on Wednesdays. All other Violation of Probations matters will be re-

scheduled with the assigned judge in Phase III. They will be set on limited and staggered dockets.

Drug Court Drug Court has continued during the emergency and will continue on Thursdays.

Family Law Plan The Family Law DCM judge conducted a review of family law matters that are scheduled in the

coming months, including those that were rescheduled due to the restricted court operations

related to the COVID-19 emergency. The Court is tasked with prioritizing hearings and determining which matters are critical to be heard quickly in accordance with the May 22, 2020,

Administrative Order on the Progressive Resumption of Full Function of Judiciary Operations

Previously Restricted Due to the COVID-19 Emergency issued by The Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Maryland.

In addition to the critical matters scheduled in accordance with Chief Judge Barbera’s Administrative Order, the Court will follow the family law phases in the Order, which are

detailed below. The Court will also conduct many family hearings remotely in order to efficiently and safely hear family law matters.

Counsel and unrepresented parties will be notified by the Court regarding whether their

hearing will remain as scheduled; the new date and time of the hearing, if it is rescheduled; whether the hearing will be remote; and if the hearing is remote, how to participate in the remote hearing.

During the following phases, the Court will conduct the hearings listed below in addition to the

emergency family law matters that the Circuit Court could hear during Phase I and the

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aforementioned matters deemed critical by the Family Law DCM Judge. Some matters will be heard in person, but especially in the early phases, many matters will be heard remotely.

Per Chief Judge Barbera’s Administrative Order, this Court may hear some matters in an earlier phase as the matters can be conducted remotely. Please see “Remote Hearings” below for

additional details. Regardless of whether a hearing is in person or remote, most hearings will

occur by way of staggered dockets for the next several months. For example, prior to the restricted operations, the uncontested family law docket had all cases starting at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Now, those cases will be scheduled throughout the day, every half hour.

PHASE II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020

1. scheduling conferences 2. status conferences

3. uncontested divorces and other uncontested family law matters

4. domestic violence protective orders 5. domestic violence, peace, and extreme risk protective order appeals

6. family law emergencies that have been determined to require an expedited hearing,

including time urgent matters related to special juvenile immigrant status 7. emergency issues in guardianship matters

8. temporary restraining orders

9. default hearings 10. exceptions hearings not requiring witness testimony (uncontested or consented to or

requiring legal argument only) 11. matters that can be handled remotely or without testimony or both

PHASE III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020

1. resume handling of temporary domestic violence protective order petitions during court

hours

2. motions requiring witness testimony 3. pendente lite hearings

4. contempt proceedings

5. adoptions 6. guardianship – non-emergency

7. child support matters: establishment

8. settlement hearings

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9. court-ordered mediations

PHASE IV: August 31, 2020, through October 4, 2020

1. hearings and trials 2. child support contempt hearings

Guardianships • The Guardianship Judge reviewed pending guardianship matters to determine which

matters were critical to be heard quickly and whether any matters could be heard remotely. Hearings that will occur remotely will receive a directive from the Guardianship Judge providing details on how to participate remotely.

Remote Hearings • Scheduling conferences, consent hearings, and some default hearings will be remote for

at least all of June. Counsel and unrepresented parties will receive a hearing notice that includes detailed information on how to participate remotely.

• Family law pre-trial dockets will be remote through at least July 19, 2020. Counsel and

unrepresented parties will receive a notice that includes detailed information on how to participate remotely.

• For other remote hearings, counsel and unrepresented parties will receive a notice that

includes detailed information on how to participate remotely. The assigned judge's or magistrate's chambers will contact counsel and unrepresented parties the afternoon prior to the hearing to provide the specific codes to access the remote hearing.

Additional Information • Custody Evaluators and/or Family Law Facilitators are available to assist during

scheduling conferences and other applicable hearings, even if the hearing is held

remotely.

• Court ordered family services such as custody evaluations, substance abuse testing, and mediation are still available.

• Some DCM Show Cause hearings scheduled for June 22, 2020, will be moved to a later

date. However, many will remain on the docket for June 22, 2020, but the time may change due to docket staggering. Those cases that remain on the docket will be heard

remotely and an order will be issued providing the new time of the hearing, as well as

details about how to participate remotely. DCM Show Cause hearings that are moved to a later date will receive a hearing notice with further information.

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• The Law Library and Family Law Self-Help Center are not providing in person services at this time. However, the Maryland Courts Self-Help Center is available to provide

remote legal assistance, (410) 260-1392. Those requiring library assistance can call (410) 222-1387.

Juvenile Plan Delinquency All matters previously scheduled between June 8, 2020, and July 19, 2020, are automatically

postponed pursuant to the Administrative Order and shall be reset by the Magistrates beginning July 20, 2020, (exception and waiver hearings will be reset by Judges/Assignment Office beginning July 20, 2020)

PHASE II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020

All matters to be heard remotely (when possible) by Magistrates:

1. Initial detention hearings.

2. Status conferences at discretion of the Magistrates for any Delinquency matter. 3. Any uncontested, consent or other matters submitted on the pleadings, including

adjudications, dispositions and reviews, permanency plans and reviews, waivers, etc.

4. Reviews of all temporary home pass and temporary release/home detention matters granted during emergency. All such reviews shall be conducted on the pleadings without

a hearing. Counsel shall be notified that they may submit memoranda and exhibits, not

to exceed 10 pages total and DJS shall submit memoranda, on or before June 19, 2020. Reviews to be completed by July 19, 2020.

5. Emergency motions pertaining to detained, committed pending placement and

committed youths. Magistrates shall have the discretion to rule without a hearing or schedule a remote hearing.

6. Juvenile peace orders.

7. Disposition reviews. 8. Treatment plans and reviews. 9. Arraignments.

PHASE III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020

All matters to be heard remotely (when possible) by Magistrates:

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1. All matters that are contested and/or requiring testimony including adjudications, dispositions and reviews, motions, detention reviews, modifications, expungements,

permanency plans and reviews, juvenile and adult sex offender registration matters, waiver hearings (Judge), exception hearings (Judge).

PHASE IV: August 31, 2020, -- resumption of all Juvenile matters

Remote Hearings For any hearing occurring remotely, counsel and unrepresented parties will be provided instructions on remote participation from the assigned judge’s or magistrate’s chambers.

CINA All matters previously scheduled between June 8, 2020, and July 19, 2020, are automatically postponed pursuant to the Administrative Order, and shall be reset by the Magistrates

beginning July 20th (exception and waiver hearings reset by Judges/Assignment Office beginning July 20th)

PHASE II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020

All matters to be heard remotely (when possible) by Magistrates:

1. Initial shelter care hearings. 2. Status conferences at discretion of Magistrates for any CINA matter.

3. Any uncontested, consent or other matters submitted on the pleadings, including

adjudications, dispositions and reviews, TPR’s (Judge), adoptions, guardianships under juvenile causes, permanency plans and reviews, motions, exceptions (Judge), etc.

4. Disposition reviews. 5. Treatment plans and reviews.

PHASE III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020

All matters to be heard remotely (when possible) by Magistrates:

1. All matters that are contested and/or requiring testimony including shelter care reviews, adjudications, dispositions and reviews, motions, permanency plans and reviews, TPR’s and exception hearings (Judge).

PHASE IV: August 31, 2020 – resumption of all juvenile matters

Remote Hearings For any hearing occurring remotely, counsel and unrepresented parties will be provided instructions on remote participation from the assigned judge’s or magistrate’s chambers.

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Civil Plan The Civil DCM judge conducted a review of civil matters pending during the period of emergency operations of the Court, as well as those matters scheduled in the upcoming months.

The Court is tasked with re-setting and prioritizing hearings in accordance with the May 22,

2020, Administrative Order on the Progressive Resumption of Full Function of Judiciary Operations Previously Restricted Due to the COVID-19 Emergency issued by The Honorable

Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Maryland. This plan allows for criminal, family, and juvenile cases to take priority, as appropriate.

Civil cases refer to the tort or contract actions, Workers Compensation Appeals, medical

malpractice, condemnations, mechanics liens, de novo District Court appeals, and other civil, non-domestic cases that are heard in the normal course.

Of note, a number of civil trials scheduled during restricted operations, as well as during the upcoming months, have already been converted to a pretrial conference. An active or senior

judge will handle the pretrial conference on the previously scheduled trial date. Counsel and

unrepresented parties received an order regarding the matter and, if the hearing is to occur remotely, instructions on how to participate remotely.

Additionally, civil motions with hearing dates during the period of emergency operations of the Court, as well as those set during the next few months, were reviewed by the Civil DCM judge

or assigned judge in order to determine whether a hearing is essential and, if the hearing is

essential, whether it should be moved to a later date or held remotely. If a hearing was rescheduled, converted to a remote hearing, or if the motion was ruled upon without a hearing, an order was sent to counsel and unrepresented parties.

During the following phases, the Court will conduct the hearings listed below in addition to the

matters that the Circuit Court could hear during Phase I and the aforementioned matters

designated to remain on the docket by the Civil DCM Judge or assigned judge. Some matters will be heard in person, but especially in the early phases, many matters will be heard remotely.

Per Chief Judge Barbera’s Administrative Order, this Court may hear some matters in an earlier phase as the matters can be conducted remotely. Please see “Remote Hearings” below for

additional details. Regardless of whether a hearing is in person or remote, most hearings will

occur at by staggered dockets for the next several months. For example, prior to the restricted

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operations, motions hearings had all cases starting at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Now, those cases will be scheduled throughout the day at staggered start times.

Phase II: 5:00 PM, June 5, 2020, through July 19, 2020

1. emergency evaluation petitions

2. quarantine and isolation petitions 3. emergency Habeas Corpus petitions

4. body attachments

5. temporary restraining orders 6. scheduling conferences

7. status conferences

8. on the record appeals 9. matters that can be handled remotely or without testimony or both

Phase III: July 20, 2020, through August 30, 2020

1. motions requiring witness testimony

2. settlement hearings 3. attorney disciplinary proceedings

Phase IV: August 31, 2020, through October 4, 2020

1. Non-jury trials 2. De novo appeals

Phase V: October 5, 2020

1. Jury trials

Remote Hearings For any hearing occurring remotely, counsel and unrepresented parties will be provided instructions on remote participation from the assigned judge’s chambers.

____________________________________________________ Hon. Laura S. Ripken, Administrative Judge

Attachment A

Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County

COVID-19 Security Screening Questions

Ask all visitors the following:

For infection control purposes, I need to ask you a few questions:

1. Have you had any of the following symptoms in the last seven (7) days:

• Cough (either new, or different than your usual cough), shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing?

• Fever (either subjective, or measured) or chills? • Sore throat, unusual muscle pain, or unusual headache? • New loss of taste or smell? • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other flu-like symptoms?

2. In the past week, have you been within 6 ft of someone, for more than 10 minutes, who had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, or a diagnosis of COVID-19?

3. Have you had a positive test for COVID-19 infection within the past ten (10) days?

If anyone does not have an appropriate face mask or face covering, supply them with a single use-mask to be disposed of after they leave the building.

Attachment B

Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County

COVID-19 Contact Inquiry/Investigation Questionnaire To determine possible exposure and next steps for the department

Employee Name: _____________________________________ Department: _________________________

1. Provide the date the employee was last at work and how long they worked that day:

2. In what areas of the workplace was the employee during the last 24 hours?

3. How long was the employee in contact with other persons in the workplace: More than 5 minutes or less than 10 minutes? – List names below:

4. How close was the employee to other persons in the workplace: More than 6 ft./less than 6 ft.

5. Did the employee cough or sneeze within 6 ft. of the other employees? (If yes, note names below)

6. Were any of the employees present during this episode wearing masks? (If yes, note names below)

7. Any other special circumstances? (riding in same vehicle, shared food, etc.)

Point of Contact (POC) Printed Name: ______________________________ Date: _________________

Be sure to speak with the direct supervisor or manager when you receive the call and keep all gathered information confidential. These steps are to be followed first with an interview of the employee to put together a list of other employees possibly exposed. Once that list is made, the Point of Contact (POC) or designee can interview each one on the list, using the above questions. Please send completed forms to covid19info@aacounty.org.

Attachment C For Sheriff Deputies Who To Contact If You are Denied Access

• If you are an attorney and you are scheduled to appear before a

judge, please contact the judge’s chambers directly.

• If you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney.

• If you are a witness, please contact the office or individual who requested your appearance in court.

• If you are unrepresented and you are scheduled to appear before a judge, please contact the judge’s chambers or:

o Assignment Office: 410-222-1422 o Child Support Enforcement: 800-332-6347 o Civil Case Management: 410-222-1215 o Criminal Case Management: 410-222-1285 o Civil Department (Clerk’s Office): 410-222-1431 o Criminal Department (Clerk’s Office): 410-222-1420 o Drug Treatment Court: 410-222-1901 o Family Law Case Management: 410-222-1153 o Juvenile Department (Clerk’s Office): 410-222-1427 o Orphans’ Court: 410-222-1418 o Pre-Trial Release Services: 410-222-7374 o Public Defenders Office: 410-295-8800 o Register of Wills: 410-222-1430 o State’s Attorney’s Office: 410-222-1740