GREEN RIVER — Third District Court Judges Richard Lavery and Suzannah Robinson recently released a letter explaining what court proceedings will look like during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
Wyoming’s district courts remain open and are open to the public for all proceedings not deemed confidential by law, however, certain recommendations are in place.
Physical access to court facilities is extremely limited and requires permission in advance, but remote access is available to the public, the judges’ letter states.
During the pandemic, nearly all district court hearings will be held by video conference. Some in-person hearings may be held if in-person hearings are required by law, such as when the constitution, court rules or statutes require an in-person hearing.
Unfortunately, courthouse access to those hearings may also be restricted. Pursuant to Sweetwater County Commission Resolution No. 2020-03-CC-02 the courthouse is generally closed to the public with limited access to the district court for some public entry.
All hearings can still be attended by using the court’s audio and video system. Any member of the public wanting to attend any non-confidential district court hearing should submit an email to the court’s judicial assistant indicating “Request to Participate” on the “Subject” line and providing their name and phone number.
The requests to participate must be made by noon two working days prior to the court hearing. The court will then provide an electronic invitation to the conference and instructions for how to attend. Staff is unable to guarantee participation for requests received after the deadline above. All hearings are subject to change.
The district court’s weekly calendar of non-confidential hearings will be posted at the District Court secured entrance and in the immediate future on the Clerk of District Court’s website.
Making Requests
For matters before Judge Lavery, contact: ktyler@courts.state.wy.us
For matters before Judge Robinson contact: aeychner@courts.state.wy.us
