In response to COVID-19, Lancaster County’s President Judge signed an order March 18 suspending many court proceedings in the county through April 14.

Generally, the Lancaster County Courthouse (at 50 North Duke Street) and district courts are CLOSED to the public – BUT NOT ENTIRELY.

Some proceedings, deemed emergency in nature, will still take place, including select bail/bench warrant matters and emergency guardianship/custody hearings.

Emergency hearings and proceedings will be held via video and phone conferencing when possible to minimize in-person congregations.

If you have a court matter upcoming, read President Judge David Ashworth’s order below and contact an attorney, if you have one. DO NOT ASSUME EVERYTHING IS CANCELED/CLOSED.

Among proceedings that will take place:

• Emergency PFA hearings
• Emergency juvenile/delinquency hearings
• Some bail, bench warrant, detainer matters
• Emergency guardianship and custody hearings/petitions
• Emergency injunctions
• Mental health 302 commitments
• Preliminary hearings with an incarcerated defendant
• Arraignments

Everything is outlined HERE in President Judge Ashworth’s order: http://bit.ly/2vBTOs0.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright