Jury trials suspended in Md. amid Omicron surge

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Due to the surge of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Maryland Judiciary has announced that it will reduce operations and revert to Phase III of its five-phased reopening plan.

Officials say operations will change on Wednesday, December 29th, and will last until February 8th, pending further order.

Clerks’ offices in both the District Court of Maryland and circuit courts throughout the state will remain open to the public. The Court of Appeals of Maryland and the Court of Special Appears of Maryland will remain fully operational, but the chief judge may determine whether to hold proceedings in person or remotely. In Phase III, the District Court and circuit courts will hear specific case types remotely or in-person, but jury trials will be paused until the Judiciary is able to re-enter Phase V.

Jury trials that have already begun will continue until concluded, but all jury trials scheduled between December 29th and February 8th will be rescheduled. Marylanders who are currently serving as jurors are encouraged to contact the local circuit court.

For more information on current court operations in Maryland, click here.