Williamson County prepares to open courtrooms

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GEORGETOWN, Texas - Williamson County courts are preparing to open their courtrooms as the county continues to reopen its businesses.

The county says that county Justices of the Peace are in agreement that JP court hearings will not take place until after June 15, unless the case is considered an "imminent threat." Jury trials will not take place until the courts receive further guidance from the Office of Court Administration.

Each judge and their personnel have been working on processes and protocols to successfully reopen their courts and the county says much thought has been given to the safety of those required to go to court.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Judge Evelyn McLean said she plans to hold court remotely and defendants will be notified with instructions on how to attend their virtual court hearing. JP1 Judge KT Musselman and JP4 Judge Stacy Hackenberg also plan to hold court remotely. JP2 Judge Edna Staudt will hold court in person.

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The county says the eviction moratorium issued by the Texas Supreme Court ended on May 18 and plaintiffs now must include in their petition a statement that the eviction case is not subject to the Federal CARES Act in order to proceed with an eviction.

More information should be available in the coming weeks on the county's website on each court's webpage and social media platforms.

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