Kern County Superior Court Presiding Judge Judith K. Dulcich and Court Executive Officer Tamarah Harber-Pickens are pleased to announce the addition of more court services beginning May 4, 2020 through the use of innovative Video Conferencing and Telephone Appearances. The Court now has the ability to conduct Felony Arraignments via video for Defendants who are in the custody of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and the ability to do some felony preliminary hearings via remote video conferencing. Video remote conferencing of many court hearings will also be available on a limited basis in the Shafter and Delano Courts, and the Juvenile, Probate and Family Law Courts. Some Civil cases may be eligible to conduct video settlements on a “per request” basis. Telephone appearances by attorneys are available in all courts for many types of cases.
Presiding Judge Dulcich and CEO Harber-Pickens are appreciative of the amazing hard work our essential staff has been completing over this period of reduced services in order to allow the Court to begin to process cases, resume court hearings, and serve the public while dealing with the “new normal” of social distancing required in response to COVID-19.
Although all Clerk’s windows, Family Law Facilitator, Family Court Services (mediation), and Self-Help remain closed for in person visits, they are still available via telephone or webmail. Please refer to our webpage for each Department’s contact information. The “E-file” system in Civil and Family Law and drop boxes for all Divisions are available for any filings. Additionally, the Court is working on instituting appointment systems, video conferencing, and check-in with text call back systems when these Departments are able to open fully to the public.
During our period of Reduced Services, many court hearings were rescheduled to later dates. If you are unsure as to the new date for your court appearance, please contact the appropriate Court Division. Case information is also available through our website.
Entry to Kern County Superior Courthouses is still restricted at this time to those persons required to appear in person for a court hearing. This will generally include and be limited to parties, their attorneys and witnesses subpoenaed to testify. Facial coverings for both the public and employees are encouraged.