COVID-19 Magisterial District Judges Procedures

Overview

On March 18, 2020, President Judge Elizabeth A. Doyle enacted emergency procedures for the Blair County Magisterial District Courts (MDJ). These measures were implemented to ensure the orderly and safe operation of courts during the pandemic, following a statewide judicial emergency declared by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on March 16, 2020.

Key Procedures (March 16 – April 14, 2020)

The following operational changes were established for the specified period:

• Warrants and Fines: Individuals on warrant lists for costs and fines may be placed on new payment plans. They will also receive pamphlets encouraging the use of the "Epay" system for online payments.
• Case Continuations:
  • All Civil, Traffic, and Non-traffic cases may be continued to a later date at the discretion of the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ).
  • Landlord-tenant cases may be continued to a date in the near future at the discretion of the MDJ.
  • Criminal cases not involving incarcerated defendants may be continued at the discretion of each MDJ.
• Remote Hearings (ACT): MDJs have the option to use ACT (including telephone) for:
  • Preliminary hearings involving incarcerated defendants (in consultation with the Blair County Prison).
  • Any other court matters.
• Service of Warrants: Service of summary warrants for failure to respond, summons undelivered, and failure to pay summary offenses is suspended until further notice. Defendants may still be notified via mail regarding the existence of a warrant and advised that they can enter a plea via mail or fax.
• Scheduling Guidelines: Time lines for scheduling matters not involving incarcerated defendants are suspended in compliance with the President’s coronavirus task force guidelines.
• Social Distancing: MDJs are required to practice social distancing and provide adequate space for counsel to meet safely with clients, including the use of outdoor space for non-incarcerated individuals.

Court Status

The Blair County MDJ Courts shall remain open for court business pursuant to these procedures and individual safety measures taken by each judge to protect staff, litigants, counsel, and the public.