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Remote Court Hearings During COVID 19 in the Orlando, Florida Area

There was an informative article in the Monday April 27, 2020 Local & State section of the Orlando Sentinel “Video hearings help legal system keep up with essential proceedings”. Currently Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Volusia Counties are hearing cases remotely using ZOOM or MICROSOFT TEAMS. This is due to COVID 19. It allows the courts to continue having hearings while keeping in accord with the CDC Social Distancing Policies. Further, the Supreme Court has issued Administrative Orders stating the courts will remain closed through May 29, 2020 for most face to face hearings and jury trials. Most court hearings are being conducted by ZOOM or MICROSOFT TEAM. They are a means for the courts to operate while there are no in court hearings except for a few minor exceptions that are spelled out in each circuit’s administrative order on COVID 19, such as first appearances, bail hearings, and domestic violence injunctions.

In the article, Chief Judge Don Myers said that civil judges in Orange County Civil Division will continue using video calls after the pandemic to handle cattle calls of lawyers scheduled to appear for pre-trial hearings. At the Mental Health Guardianship Town Hall CLE held on April 30, 2020 on ZOOM, Judge Myers said that Orange County will probably continue to use MICROSOFT TEAM when the courthouse resumes more normal functions. He also stated that Orange County Courthouse staff and judges are meeting with medical experts to determine hot zones in the courthouse such as the entryways with security checkpoint lines to make the courthouse safe regarding social distancing when normal functions begin again. Through May 29, 2020, the Supreme Court has given trial courts across the state the flexibility on the rules, including allowing them to swear in witnesses over a video connection, which is not ordinarily permitted by law. 

The majority of trial clerks in Orange County are still working in modified shifts that help them maintain social distancing, with some clerks working in courtrooms by themselves. In the criminal felony divisions, everything must be recorded and documented by a court reporter and trial clerk. That means they both must be in the courtroom with the criminal felony judge. The attorneys can appear remotely. However, sometimes they appear in the courtroom wearing face masks and gloves. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law or Guardianship Law or Probate Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https//:www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com

This article is for informational purposes only; and it does not form an attorney client privilege.