ROCK ISLAND, Illinois — Rock Island County court officials have a big backlog of cases after reopening. Operations at the Rock Island County Justice Center are moving slower because of the pandemic, but not everyone can just walk in.
"It's like a whole new world really for the court system," says Dora Villareal, Rock Island County State's Attorney.
Villareal says most mornings about 300 people file through the courthouse's doors for misdemeanor and traffic court. Now, only about 40 can show up. The courthouse is only allowed to hold up to 10 cases an hour to maintain social distance.
"We will have extra time slots for misdemeanor and traffic court - that is where we are most behind," says Villareal.
Acting Chief Judge for the 14th Circuit, Judge Clarence Darrow, says the first two weeks of June are designated to a portion of the backlog: traffic, misdemeanors, some child supports, some small claims, and some out of custody felony cases that have been accumulating since the beginning of the year.
In all, the Circuit Clerk's Office saw a 76% reduction in court filings since the pandemic. Rock Island County Administrator Jim Snider recommended at least six county departments make up to a 25-percent cut each. So far 17 employees have been laid off, 15 of them from the Circuit Clerk's Office. Circuit Clerk Tammy Weikert says she will bring those 15 back by seniority.
"Seven of those employees are returning to work," says Weirkert.
People should only go to the courthouse if they have a hearing scheduled. You have to wear a mask, and arrive 10 minutes before the hearing and leave directly after.
"Once you get your notice make sure you show up," advises Villareal. "The judges will start issuing warrants once we really start getting going."
Although some hearings have been held virtually the past two months, Judge Darrow says it's not the same as in-person.
"There's something to be said about an in-person court hearing where you can actually weigh the credibility of the witness and you can watch the jury as they react," says Judge Darrow.
It could still be months before a jury trial takes place in Illinois. Iowa is set to start jury trials in September and will resume non-jury trials in July.