Kane County court operations scaled back through June 1

Scaled-back court operations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic will continue in Kane County through June 1, extending the previous order from May 4, officials announced Thursday.

"We appreciate the cooperation we have received from everyone involved in the court system. We are doing our best to balance the needs of protecting the public and our courthouse staff with keeping the courthouse open to hear those cases that must be heard," Chief Judge Clint Hull said in a news release.

The Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles, and Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, 37W655 Route 38, St. Charles, will stay open to hear in-custody cases deemed essential and any emergency motions, such as order of protection hearings, juvenile delinquency, juvenile abuse and neglect, mental health hearings.

Branch courts in Aurora, St. Charles and Elgin have been closed since mid-March. When they reopen in early June, all facilities will have precautions in place.

Additional safety measures include limiting the number of people allowed in a courtroom to no more than 10, and all individuals must remain separated by at least six feet.

All cases set for trial between April 22 and July 31 will be continued until Aug. 3. The circuit clerk will reschedule all trial matters for status and resetting of a new trial date after Aug. 3.

The circuit clerk's office will mail new court dates to the last known mailing address. Call the Kane County circuit court clerk at (630) 232-3413 or circuitclerk@co.kane.il.us for questions.