Judges at the Cole County Courthouse plan to call the county's grand jury back into session this month and may hold jury trials as they work to resume regular judicial activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grand jury is made up of 12 people selected at random from the current jury pool who serve for a six-month period.
The grand jury hears evidence when a prosecutor wants a case, typically a felony, to be transferred to the circuit court level.
The Cole County Court is following orders issued from the Missouri Supreme Court earlier this month, which recommended local courts should be capable of seating jurors 6 feet apart, limiting the number of potential jurors involved in jury selection and ensuring members of the public may view public court proceedings.
Everyone entering the Cole County Courthouse will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Temperatures will be taken, and contact information will be gathered. Family members and friends will not be able to enter with a litigant unless prior approval is obtained. Every person will be required to wear a face mask except while testifying, and they should bring their own mask to wear.
People with questions about the status of particular cases should check Case.net, ask their attorney or contact the local clerk's office. In Cole County, the clerk's office can be reached by phone at 573-634-9171.
Those in Cole County who need to file an order of protection or a continuance should email [email protected].