RALEIGH – North Caroline Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order to postpone court proceedings until June 1, 2020. The full order contains seven emergency directives. The order directs clerks of court to post notices at court facilities discouraging entry by those infected with COVID-19 and authorizes court proceedings to be conducted by remote audio and video transmissions.
“Judicial officials and court personnel statewide are going above and beyond to serve the public during this health emergency,” said Beasley. “My number one priority is to protect them and the public by limiting gatherings and foot traffic in our county courthouses, while making sure our courts stay available to serve the public.”
Beasley’s order also directs attorneys and others without business before the court to avoid court facilities, allows usage of sworn statements under penalty of perjury rather than notarization for court filings and oaths, and allows service of court documents by email. It also extends the deadline for payment of most fines and fees by 90 days and directs clerks not to report failures to pay court debt to the DMV.
The April 2 order follows Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order directing all individuals in the state to stay at home with the exception of essential businesses and services.
“We want people to know that they do not need to come to the courthouse right now to pay a traffic ticket,” said the Chief Justice. “Deadlines for those payments have been extended and licenses will not be suspended until this emergency passes. We want people staying at home and staying safe.”
Traffic tickets and some other fees can still be paid at the NC Courts website www.nccourts.gov.
