Eugene Municipal Court is approving operational changes to meet the state controls meant to slow the spread of COVID-19

Lane County is one of 25 Oregon counties labeled “extreme risk,” where restrictions will remain tightest. In other counties, restrictions will be looser.

To meet those restrictions, Eugene’s Municipal Court has instituted changes, effective Wednesday, including:

• Eugene Municipal Court will be closed for in-person appearances.
• All virtual and in-custody court appearances will continue as scheduled.
• In-custody court appearances are held daily at the Lane County Jail and can be viewed publicly from that location.
• Public viewing for other jail and virtual appearances is available onsite at the courthouse for a limited number of individuals.
• All other court appearances will be set-over to a future court date.

In a news release announcing the changes, the city reminded residents most court business can be handled online, over the phone or through the mail.

People with pending criminal charges are encouraged to call their attorneys for information on clearing outstanding warrants and virtual appearances.