The Tenth Judicial District Court, in accordance with the order rendered on March 16 by the Louisiana Supreme Court in response to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ declaration of a public health emergency., and President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on March 13, and in consideration of public health recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and slowing the spread of the disease while balancing the need to maintain access to Louisiana Courts:
It is nearby ordered that all jury trials, both civil and criminal, scheduled to commence in the Tenth Judicial District Court of Louisiana in Natchitoches Parish between the dates of March 16-April 30 are hereby continued to a date to be reset by local order. Except otherwise provided herein, all civil trials, hearings and court appearances set for any date between the date of March 16-27 are nearby continued to a date to be reset by local order, except for hearings related to cilvil protective orders, child in need of care proceedings, emergency child custody matters, proceedings for children removed from their home by emergency court order, proceedings related to emergency interdictions and mental health orders, matters of public health related to this crisis and other emergency matters necessary to protect the health and liberty of individuals as determined by the court.
Criminal initial appearances for adults and juveniles, arraignments for incarcerated individuals and bond hearings shall continue as scheduled and shall be conducted with the use of telephone and video conferencing whenever possible. In person contact shall be limited as much as possible by utilizing technologies, including alternative means of filing, teleconferencing, email and video conferencing.
This order expressly does not prohibit any court proceedings by telephone, video, teleconferencing, or any other means that do not involve in-person contact. This order does not affect courts’ consideration of matters that can be resolved without in-person proceedings.
