Senior Judge Tammy Lee and the judges of the Monroe City Court announced reopening procedures for the Monroe City Court. The judges released the following instructions:
“Following the White House COVID-19 guidance and in line with Governor John Bel Edwards’ Order for the State of Louisiana, Monroe City Court entered Phase I and reopened to the public on May 18, 2020. The Court wants to remind the public that the following can done in person: pay fines, file civil pleadings, handle warrants, reset missed court dates, and obtain extensions, etc. However, the Court encourages everyone to work remotely and to utilize resources such as fax filing whenever possible. The Court’s fax number is (318) 339-2622.
Juvenile proceedings, adult 72-hour hearings, and some other matters will continue to be held remotely via teleconference and/or videoconference.
Most traffic citations (and some criminal matters) are payable out of court. Everyone is encouraged to call and inquire about their matter as some of the restrictions on mandatory appearances have been or may be loosened by the judges. Individuals may pay in person or use the postal service to send certified funds or money order to P.O. Box 777, Monroe, LA 71210.
Please call the Monroe City Prosecutor’s office to check on a new court date. Please note that rescheduled criminal and traffic matters must be done in person by June 9, 2020. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Monroe City Prosecutor has a current address. If your address has changed, you must provide the new address in writing by mail or by fax. Please include your full name as it appears on your old notice, your docket number, and your new address including city, state and zip code. You can also provide a contact phone number and/or email address.
The contact information is: Monroe City Prosecutor, 400 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe, Louisiana 71201; Telephone (318) 329-2618; Fax (318) 329-2621.
The Court will be strictly enforcing health protocols and social distancing rules, thus limiting the number of individuals that are allowed to enter at one time. The use of facemasks or face coverings and a temperature check are mandatory for anyone entering the courthouse. Only the person with court business will be allowed inside the courthouse, unless that individual is accompanied by a caregiver or an interpreter. Anyone displaying possible COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter. There will be no exceptions to these rules/protocols. Please be prepared that there may be long lines and wait times. Your patience is appreciated.
These measures are necessary to ensure that the Court as well as the public, comply with all Federal, State, and local health guidelines. This also enables the Court to slowly increase the caseload and visitor level, while at the same time, monitor that health protocols are followed.
