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Hundreds of local residents will finally get to have their day in court next month, when Perryville Municipal Court resumes its duties.
Courtroom sessions in Perry County Circuit Court and Associate Circuit Court resumed this week, but muncipal court, which operates on a different schedule, will resume on its normal date, Wednesday, June 3, with a second session scheduled for June 4.
According to Judge Wayne Keller, the extra session is necessary to hopefully clear a significant backlog of cases created by the court’s shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“ It’s going to be a nightmare trying to get everybody in and out, but at some point, we have to do it,” Keller said. “At some point there’re going to be constitutionality issues here. People are entitled to see disposition of their case. So at some point, we’re going run into the Constitution here.”
The docket for June 3 will most likely resemble a more normal — if somewhat slow — court date as Keller is expected to hear approximately 30 cases, beginning at the court’s normal noon start time. The next day, however, will prove a bit more challenging, with nearly 230 cases stretching back to March.
“Normally we start at noon and we work till we’re finished, which is usually about 5 p.m.,” Keller said. “That’s what we’re going to do on June 3, our normal court date for the month. And then on June 4, we’re going to start at 9 a.m. and work until we’re done. I think we have 15 attorneys scheduled for that day. Logistically, it’s going to be a nightmare, but we have to do it.”
Keller said his normal caseload varies between 120-140 cases, with a busy day equaling as many as 180.
“We’ve got to get this done,” Keller said. “We can’t let this go on forever.”
Those with cases to be heard can also expect to see a few changes in court procedures.
According to guideline handed down by the state, court will be conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and only 10 people will be allowed in the courtroom at a time and social distancing rules will be in effect.
Those scheduled to appear are asked to remain in their vehicles or outside in the parking lot until a bailiff admits them into the building. There will be only 10 people allowed inside the courtroom at a time. As one person exits the building, another person will be allowed to enter the building.
“We’re going to have two bailiffs — one outside, one inside — and we’re going to mark the chairs,” Keller said.
Anyone not on the docket will not be permitted in the courtroom. Attendees will be screened for fever before entering, and if found to have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, will not be allowed inside the building
Courtroom personnel will wear masks and gloves, and defendants and attorneys are asked to wear masks if they have them.
Defendants will also be denied entry if they have been exposed to or if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
While court is in session, defendants are asked to not approach the bench and stay behind the tape. Only one person will be allowed at a time at the payment clerk’s desk. Please stay in your seat until the person paying has finished and walks away.
Those deemed most vulnerable to infection, including those 65 years or older, individuals with underlying medical conditions — including those who suffer from chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, serious heart condition, immune disorder, obesity, diabetes, or chronic kidney or liver disease — are encouraged to call the Municipal Court at 573-547-2594 to explore other options.
With such a heavy caseload, Keller has also made plans in case the session runs over.
“If it gets too late in the day, then I will do is just stop and give them another court date,” Keller said. “I don’t want to have somebody there from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. waiting to be heard. If it gets to the point where it’s onerous on the people, then what I will do is, I’ll cut it off and give them another court date.”
Keller, who also serves as a municipal judge in Fredericktown, said he had participated in discussions with judges in the 24th Circuit regarding possible alternatives to hearing cases in open court, including holding court via a virtual online platform.
“In my court, I just don’t think that’s practical,” Keller said. “The people that come into my court are mostly on the low end of the economic scale. I don’t know how many of them would be conversant with them. And even if they were, I don’t know if they’d have the equipment to use it. I think what we’re doing, 10 at a time, even though it’s going to take forever, is probably the best way to go about it.”
