Courthouses Across State Ordered To Close

Courthouses across Suffolk County are closed until further notice in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.

In Riverside, the entire Arthur Cromarty Court complex is shut down. Also closed is the state Supreme Court building in Riverhead.

There are currently three trials active in Suffolk County — two criminal and one civil — including that of Patchita Tennant, being cover by The Independent, on attempted murder charges. That trial was moved from Riverside to the county’s courthouse in Central Islip as of Tuesday, March 17. New York State Justice John Collins told the jury seated on the case that he will be bringing his entire staff with him to Central Islip. A second jury trial on criminal charges taking place in Riverside is also being moved to Central Islip, as is a civil trial which was taking place at the state courthouse in
Riverhead.

There will be no new state trials until further notice.

The state’s Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks contacted the various state courts involved over the weekend.

All eviction proceedings across the state have also been suspended.

East Hampton Town Justice Court is also closed. All cases currently on the justice court’s calendar are adjourned, and the parties involved will be notified of their next court date.

Riverhead and Southampton Town justice courts, along with all other local courts, have adjourned all cases and are closed until further notice.

Going forward, all weekday arraignments required following arrests by police across the East End will be held in the county court complex in Central Islip. Weekend arraignments, however, will continue to be held in the local courts.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. announced all visits to inmates in Suffolk County’s two holding facilities are suspended until further notice as well. Attorneys will still be able to visit their clients in jail.

t.e@indyeastend.com