In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the 25th Judicial District in southwest Kansas is limiting court proceedings through May, but the courts and offices remain open at this time.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, Chief Judge Robert Frederick issued an administrative order that allows only emergency situations in specific types of cases to be handled by the 25th Judicial District in western Kansas through May.
The 25th Judicial District includes Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott and Wichita Counties. Courthouse staff and judges are available to assist community members with questions or concerns.
However, the public is asked to conduct their business by phone if possible and to avoid coming to the courthouse unless they are required to appear in one of the emergency cases, as follows:
- First appearances for new arrests on criminal charges and arrests on outstanding warrants
- Requests for Protection from Abuse and Protection from Stalking and related review hearings
- Placement of children taken into police custody or review of emergency child placement cases
- Juvenile offender detention hearings and reviews
- Requests for emergency commitments in mental health or substance abuse cases
All probation appointments will be handled by phone. Anyone assigned to probation supervision with Court Services should call their Court Services Officer at (620) 271?6150 for additional instructions.
According to the press release, the 25th Judicial District is actively seeking to balance its responsibilities with the interests of public health in this challenging situation.