MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Supreme Court extended its order suspending in-person court proceedings to April 30. The original order was issued on March 13.
There are limited exceptions for some proceedings including those necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals, proceedings related to protection from abuse, proceedings related to emergency child custody and protection orders, proceedings related to emergency mental health orders, proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons, proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and any emergent proceeding as needed by law enforcement.
All judges and court clerks are urged to limit in-person courtroom contact as much as possible by utilizing available technologies, including electronic filing, teleconferencing, and videoconferencing.
If you have dealings with a specific court, contact that court for updates on how they should be handled.
Athens Municipal Court sent this update.
Athens Municipal Court is operating under the Supreme Court mandate to suspend in-person court proceedings through the extended date of April 30.
What does this mean for those with proceedings in Athens Municipal Court?
- The courtroom remains closed to the public.
- Municipal Court staff are working modified hours. Those with court-related questions or those who need to make court-related payments can call 256-233-8733 or email court@athensal.us during these hours: ･ Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
･ Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Effective immediately, any person who has been sentenced and ordered to make monthly payments toward his or her fine, costs or other court-ordered fees have a 60-day grace period to make said payment. This will include payments for March and April 2020. (This applies to previously sentenced defendants.)
- Our clerks will accept payments of any amount from those who are able to make a payment. (This applies to previously sentenced defendants.)
- Those not previously sentenced who need to correspond with court for an individual need or request regarding inability to make a citation payment can email court@athensal.us or fax requests to 256-233-6889.
- Defensive Driving School scheduled for April 20 is cancelled. Court staff are contacting those who registered to discuss a rescheduling date.
WZDX will update you with changes to court information as it becomes available.
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