Palmer Courthouse to resume all non-jury hearings June 1

WASILLA — The Palmer Courthouse recently ordered that all non-jury court proceedings for felony and misdemeanor cases will resume starting June 1.

According to the order signed May 27, telephonic participation is preferred and anyone planning to attend in person is asked to wear a mask.

That goes for all attorneys, parties, witnesses, and victims present in the courtroom.

Parties that anticipate more than six people during an in-person hearing are asked to notify chambers at least one business day prior to the hearing with how many people they anticipate so accommodations can be made.

The Palmer Courthouse is also resuming pre-trial conferences for felony and misdemeanor cases, stating in the order that all pre-trial hearings will be conducted via telephone.

Defendants in custody will not be transported to court or connected by telephone unless requested by their attorney at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

The court noted that there will not be an opportunity for attorneys to speak confidentially with their clients at the hearing, even if it’s telephonic.

Out of custody defendants are not required to participate in telephonic pretrial conferences.

Rule 45 will toll in all cases during any suspension or limitation on jury trials for at least an additional 30 days thereafter, pursuant to the April 24 presiding judges’ statewide administrative order.

For more information, call 907-746-8181.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com