All Court Appearances Postponed

In-person court proceedings have been postponed statewide in reaction to the coronavirus.

Cookeville City Court appearances at the Cookeville Municipal Building set for March 13-March 31 have been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 7 at 9am. In Crossville, the March 31 court dates through the Crossville Police Department will be rescheduled for April 21.

The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order Friday ordering all court to remain open during the coronavirus outbreak. Chief Justice Jeff Bivins declared a state of emergency for the judicial branch. The Order applies to state and local Tennessee courts, including appellate, trial, general sessions, juvenile, and municipal courts.

The Order includes a substantial list of exceptions including proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, such as bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals; civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of March 13, 2020; proceedings relating to orders of protection; proceedings related to emergency child custody orders; Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child protection; proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief; proceedings related to emergency mental health orders; proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons; and proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Any permitted in-court proceedings will be limited to attorneys, parties, witnesses, security officers, and necessary persons as determined by the trial judge.