COVID & KANSAS COURTS

Kansas courts are taking protecting your health seriously. If you have had police contact, for a minor misdemeanor, you may have been surprised to find that you were not taken into custody. Rather, you probably got a citation. If you have a matter pending in court, you may be surprised to find that the process has delayed or stopped. That is because all Kansas courts are temporarily ordered to cease/slow contact with the public.

“This is an extraordinary measure to match the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. “We have a duty to protect the people who come into our courthouses and courtrooms, as well as our employees and judges. This action allows courts to fulfill core functions while reducing in-person contact.”

Matters that may proceed as necessary generally includes:

• Determining probable cause for your arrest without a warrant
• Your first appearance
• Your bond hearing
• Warrants for you and juveniles
• Juvenile detention hearings
• Care and treatment emergency orders
• Protection from abuse and protection from stalking temporary orders
• A child in need of care hearings and orders
• Consideration of  petitions to waive notice for abortions by minors
• Commitment of sexually violent predators 
• Isolation and quarantine hearings and orders

This means that all statutory standards and deadlines that typically apply to cases are allowed to be stayed (including speedy trial). Your case cannot be dismissed for lack of prosecution at this time. You are urged to handle your business online, by phone, or by mail. If that’s not possible, you can call the court for direction. A limited number of staff will be available to answer questions.

This does not mean you cannot be arrested during this time. It also does not mean that you will qualify for some impromptu early releases that have happened in the jails and prisons. If you have questions about how this impacts your Kansas criminal case call Attorney T. Morton NOW 913-602-7288.