Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse’s criminal courthouse will be virtually empty Tuesday after the state announced that only “essential” cases will be heard until further notice to avoid crowds during the Coronavirus pandemic.

People who have cases scheduled in coming weeks should contact their lawyer for further information.

The remaining “essential” cases will not be heard in the county’s criminal courthouse, 505 S. State St. (with the glass facade), but will move over to the old county courthouse facing Columbus Circle.

“Essential” cases can include new arrests (arraignments), probable cause hearings for those in custody (preliminary hearings), petitions for release (like bail hearings) and cases that need to be adjudicated to meet Constitutional deadlines (speedy trial concerns). Family Court also remains open for child protection cases, juvenile delinquency proceedings, family offenses and child support orders.

Virtually all cases involving those who are at liberty -- including low-level felony, misdemeanor, traffic and civil -- are postponed until further notice. Landlord/tenant (eviction) court is suspended, too.

That means the vast majority of cases -- criminal and civil -- are not going to happen as scheduled for the foreseeable future.

The pandemic has already delayed one Syracuse murder trial, against James Everson and Amir Bordies, and is certain to delay others in coming days and weeks.

The criminal courthouse at 505 S. State St. remains open today (Monday) for those needing assistance. There are already lines at the clerk’s office for those looking for guidance.

“Effective at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, we will be postponing all non-essential functions of the courts until further notice,” state Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks said in a memo. “All essential functions will continue...”

The drastic measures come days after the courts banned all jury trials.

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070.

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