I have a court appearance but I am worried about COVID-19 or I’m experiencing symptoms. What can I do?
The Court System is asking people NOT TO ENTER A COURTHOUSE IF:
– You have flu-like symptoms, or
– Have traveled outside AK in the last 14 days, or
– Live with or have had close contact with anyone who has been outside AK within the last 14 days, or
– Have been directed to quarantine, isolate or self-monitor at home for the coronavirus by a medical provider, or
– Have been diagnosed with or have had close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Instead, call the local courthouse to let them know your situation and find out the next steps. It is possible you will be able to appear by telephone or that your case will be (or has been) continued and will be reset for another date in the future. The phone number can be found at: https://courts.alaska.gov/courtdir/index.htm
I have a court appearance but the courthouse is closed. What do I do?
If you are scheduled to appear in court and the courthouse is closed on the date you are supposed to appear, you need to call the clerk of court. Keep written records of when you call and what you discuss. Do not assume your appearance has changed. The clerk of court will tell you what you need to do to reschedule your appearance, or will give you information on how to call in by phone (depending on local court rules many appearances will proceed by phone). You can find the phone number for your local court at https://courts.alaska.gov/courtdir/index.htm. Local rules regarding telephonic participation can be found at the bottom of the page here: http://www.courts.alaska.gov/covid19/index.htm
I received a notice for jury duty, but I am in a high risk population for COVID-19 or I have been experiencing symptoms. Do I still have to show up?
Under order by presiding judges in each judicial district, all jury trials and grand juries have been suspended through May 1, 2020. If you think you have COVID-19 or are at high risk of contracting the disease, you are encouraged to stay home. You should contact the clerk of court to determine if your jury service has been rescheduled or cancelled and notify them about your concerns. The clerk will explain to you what your responsibilities are. The number for your local courthouse can be found at: https://courts.alaska.gov/courtdir/index.htm
