SOLANO SUPERIOR COURT – COVID-19 OPERATIONS
Fairfield, California – In response to the spike in COVID-19 cases and the recent stay-at-home order for the Bay Area Region, the Superior Court of Solano County further limits court operations in an effort to limit the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19.
Presiding Judge Donna L. Stashyn, pursuant to authority granted to her by the Chief Justice of California, has issued an order extending the last day for jury trials in criminal matters until February 26, 2021, and suspending all other non-mandatory trials until the current COVID-19 health crises improves and the State imposed regional stay-at-home order is lifted.
The present rate of infection in Solano County and in the Bay Area Region is at an all-time high. The resulting ICU capacity has decreased to 4.7% in the Bay Area Region. Summoning groups of public members to the courthouses poses unnecessary high risk. The Court finds that risk of COVID-19 exposure to all who enter the courthouses merits the extension of criminal jury trials and the suspension of non-mandated trials.
All clerk’s offices remain closed to the public. Clerk’s Office services are conducted by telephone, e-mail or by appointment only. Drop boxes are available at the Hall of Justice, Old Solano Courthouse and Solano Justice Building in Vallejo.
Only those with essential business are permitted at the courthouses. Members of the public, who wish to attend a court proceeding may do so upon advance request and at the discretion of the judicial officer presiding over the matter. Instructions on how to make such a request are available on the Court’s website at the COVID-19 page at “Access to Remote Hearings.”
“We continue to strive to adapt court operations as circumstances change in order to promote the health and safety of all who enter the courthouses while balancing access to justice, freedom of the press and public access to court proceedings.” Judge Stashyn said.
For additional information on courthouse operations under COVID-19 protocols and contact information, please refer to the Court’s website at www.solano.courts.ca.gov.