Oklahoma City Municipal Court to begin phased re-opening

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH)--The Oklahoma City Municipal Court will begin phase one of their reopening plans on Monday.

“We’ve been planning carefully to minimize the COVID-19 exposure risk for every visitor and employee in our building as we begin our phased re-opening,” said Municipal Court Administrator LaShawn Thompson. “We’ve made changes to our policies and within the building to maximize safety. We will make special accommodations for anyone with unique needs on a case-by-case basis, so everyone will be confident that we have prioritized their safety when they visit our building.”

The following operations will be in place during phase one:

• The Municipal Court building, including pay windows, will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except City-observed holidays.
• Those feeling sick or those 65 and older with underlying health conditions are asked not to visit. They are asked to call 405-297-3898 to reschedule.
• Face coverings are required. Disposable face masks will be provided when you enter the building if you don’t have your own.
• Only defendants, parents, or responsible guardians of defendants, attorneys and other people required to attend a court proceeding may enter the courtroom. No other guests.
• Staff at a checkpoint at the entrance of the Municipal Court building will ensure everyone entering the building has an authorized purpose, and is screened for a fever.
• Check-in and admittance for court sessions will be allowed 30 minutes before the start of the docket.
• Cases will be scheduled with courtroom capacity in mind to allow for safe social distancing inside.
• Probation interviews will be conducted by videoconference.
• The only dockets in Phase 1 will be for animal control cases, environmental cases, traffic cases, criminal trials, and jury division arraignments and dispositions. All other cases and hearings will be rescheduled.

The city announced that more details for phases two and three will be provided when public health conditions improve.

Oklahoma City residents can still pay tickets by clicking here or by calling 405-297-3898 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.