The Bellefontaine Municipal Court announced this week special procedures being put in place in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
All appearances and hearings will be limited to attorneys, defendants, witnesses, victims and people making payments. Individuals who do not have business before the court will not be permitted in the courthouse.
Individuals who have traveled to “high-risk” countries as determined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also will not be permitted to enter the courthouse.
In addition, all traffic arraignments, unclassified misdemeanors (with the exception of third offense OVI charge), minor misdemeanors and criminal offenses charged as fourth-degree or third-degree misdemeanors shall be continued. In light of the current health crisis, “the court finds that such a continuance is not only reasonable, but necessary for protecting public health,” a release states.
Specific details on the continuance dates and times are available on the court’s website, www.www.ci.bellefontaine.oh.us/municipal-court.html.
Bonds for traffic tickets also can be paid on the website instead of coming to court.