Orange Local Court has implemented changes due to COVID-19 pandemic

Defended hearings, that require witnesses to give evidence will not proceed this week.

The matters will still be listed but participants in those defended hearings are not required to attend court that day and a new hearing date will be set.

The parties are not required to attend court in person, however they must notify the court via email of the status of proceedings prior to 3pm on the day before the listing and provide all available dates.

Matters that are listed for sentence will proceed wherever possible and if a participant is unable to attend they must make alternative arrangements with the court with contact to be made no later than 3pm the day before the listing.

If the defendant is on bail and a sentence assessment report has been requested, the court will require the defendant and their legal representative in person.

Matters listed for mention and written notices of pleadings will continue to be accepted electronically including email.

Participants may seek to appear in writing such as via email, via telephone or audio visual link.

For all listings that are of a procedural nature only, the court's preferred option is to accept appearances in writing such as email.

Where possible all defendants in custody should appear via AVL.

Masks are required and the current changes will apply until Friday, July 30.

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