The Chief Judges of the Circuit Court for Fairfax and Prince William counties issued orders this week that facial covering will be required for all people present in each courthouse.
Alex Gordon and Carlos Wall are criminal defense lawyers that have been helping people who have matters in both of the Fairfax and Prince William courthouses during the past three months since the coronavirus pandemic concerns came to the United States.
Chief Judge Bruce White in Fairfax County and Chief Judge Tracy C. Hudson of Prince William County issued the orders:
"IN VIEW OF THE ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION AND THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH" (Capitalized in the Fairfax court order).
The judges believed that order requiring people who have business in the courthouse follows the "DIRECTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA THAT THE COURTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH TAKE "REASONABLE STEPS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF THE SPREAD OF COVID-19..."
Both orders allow exceptions. A judge may allow witnesses and other people in their courtrooms to remove the coverings to assist in the process of trial or hearings. Employees may also remove their masks in their personal work areas when there is appropriate social distancing.
Masks are not required. It can be a scarf, bandana, or other cloth covering of the nose and mouth.
Finally, the order in Fairfax states:
"AS RECOMMENDED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THIS ORDER DOES NOT APPLY TO CHILDREN UNDER TWO, OR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING, OR WHO CANNOT REMOVE A FACE COVERING WITHOUT HELP, OR HAVE OTHER MEDICAL ISSUES THAT MAKE THE WEARING OF A FACE COVERING UNSAFE."
To read the official orders click here.
Fairfax Courts Face Covering Order
Prince William Courts Face Covering Order
The Gordon Law Firm provides experienced, caring and effective representation in cases involving DUI, reckless driving, drug offenses, domestic assault, juvenile law and other criminal law matters. The Gordon law Firm has helped more than 5,000 clients in traffic and criminal cases in the Northern Virginia counties of Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, and Arlington.
We recognize that communication is key for your peace of mind and success in court. Our clients can text, email or call Criminal Defense lawyers Alex Gordon and Carlos Wall any time for answers. If you need legal assistance call 703-218-8416 for a free consultation.