Some of you have been wondering how the novel coronavirus and subsequent courthouse restrictions are affecting you and the cases we handle here. We wanted to take the time to share with you what our workload looks like now and hopefully answer your questions.
As of Monday, March 30, 2020, in Ada County, we have reduced operations at the courthouse. Emergency court proceedings are being conducted by video or telephone. Even though court proceedings will largely be conducted by video or telephone, the public should know that they will still be permitted to file documents and pleadings at the courthouse. Citizens still have access to the court. Filings can still occur outside the building on the east side of the Ada County Courthouse.
Despite the reduction in court hearings, the prosecutor’s office is still hard at work. As the Coronavirus first darkened Idaho’s doors, our work was done almost entirely in the courthouse. Our staff has worked long hard hours to adapt, utilizing technology in a way we never had before. We now have the majority of our non-attorney staff successfully working remotely full-time, in the hope of slowing the spread of the virus. As the Courts have adopted virtual and telephonic hearings, our lawyers have been able to do more of their work remotely as well. This transition hasn’t been perfect and we’ve faced some challenges, but the staff has made a focused effort to continue to provide the communication and services the public deserves. As we discover gaps in the current system, we will work to improve them.
In addition, the courthouse remains accessible by telephone and email. If this is an urgent matter, you may call the Ada County Clerk’s Office main line: 208-287-6900. You can also email the clerk’s office at [email protected].
This temporary reduction in court operations is to protect the public from exposure to COVID-19. We know this is an uncertain and unprecedented time for all of us. The Prosecutor’s Office is committed to maintaining our core functions of keeping the community safe, keeping our staff safe and handling essential civil legal needs of clients. We continue to serve the people of Ada County with safety for all in mind.
What court hearings are happening now and how are they occurring?
Emergency court hearings are being conducted via video conference or telephone. Emergency court hearings include in custody arraignments, in custody preliminary hearings, child protection hearings, no contact orders, protection orders and other hearings that are emergencies.
I am a victim or witness in a criminal case. Is the case still proceeding as scheduled?
It depends. All criminal jury trials are being postponed. If your jury trial was scheduled to be held on March 26 through April 30, 2020, it will be continued for no less than 30 days from date of the trial’s original starting date. As noted earlier, hearings deemed an emergency will continue to be held. If scheduled hearings are postponed, you will be notified of the new dates.
Our office is communicating with victims and witnesses to ensure you know if your case is proceeding as scheduled for hearings. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 208-287-7700 or email at [email protected].
I’m a crime victim. How do I get help? How will I know what’s happening in a case?
Prosecutors and victim-witness coordinators are communicating with crime victims and providing you with the most up-to-date information about court dates. We are also assisting you with obtaining resources you may need as a result of the criminal conduct.
FACES of Hope Victim Center at 417 S. 6th Street in Boise is still open and offering services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or elder abuse. FACES is now equipped to provide assistance in filing civil protection orders via video conference. More information on how to do that is here: https://www.facesofhopevictimcenter.org/support-services.
The Women’s and Children’s Alliance in Boise is also open and will be available for walk-in and civil protection order assistance. Visit http://www.wcaboise.org/ for more information.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
How is the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office working with law enforcement during this time?
Our office is in regular communication with all of our law enforcement partners across Ada County and with Idaho State Police. All of us are working very hard to keep the public safe while continuing to provide services essential to our community.
More Information:
View the Idaho Supreme Court’s Ruling here: https://isc.idaho.gov/EO/Emergency-Reduction-Order.pdf
View Governor Brad Little’s Stay at Home order here: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
More information about Ada County’s efforts can be found here: https://adacounty.id.gov/commissioners/covid-19/