The Honorable Daniel R. Swafford, Judge, issued a memorandum today (Friday, March 13th, 2020) regarding suspension of in-person court proceedings in Bradley County. This suspension of in-person court proceedings is based on an Order received from the Supreme Court of Tennessee at Nashville. In-person court proceedings are suspended with the following exceptions (including, but not limited to):
- Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals
- Civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of March 13th, 2020
- Proceedings related to relief from abuse, including (but not limited to) orders of protection
- Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders
- Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child protection
- Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief
- Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders
- Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons
- Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency
- Other exceptions as approved by the Chief Justice
Most court cases will be rescheduled until after the March 31st, 2020 date. For the emergency matters that will be heard, Judge Swafford and Magistrate Ivey will be available by Skype.
