Two Western Washington counties suspend in-person jury trials

Both King and Snohomish counties are suspending all in-person jury trials due to the dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases.

Snohomish County made the announcement Wednesday in a statement that read, “Effective immediately, Snohomish County Superior Court will suspend jury trial activities through Jan. 8, 2021. This has been a very difficult decision to make, but it is the right decision based on the extraordinary circumstances that we currently face.”

King County followed suit Friday, suspending in-person jury trials through Jan. 11.

King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers wrote, “With guidance from public health experts from the University of Washington, we will continuously monitor rates of COVID-19 and adapt our Public Health Plan accordingly. The Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial.”

The court will hold civil jury trials virtually, as well as hearings that do not involve a jury.

It’s not the first time King County suspended in-person jury trials.

At the start of the pandemic, the county made the same move in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Cox Media Group