Tribal Court Suspends Jury Trials

The Suquamish Tribal Court is suspending jury trials until further notice.

The move is in response to the widening outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the region.

“COVID-19 rates have increased dramatically in Kitsap County in the recent weeks,” reads the Dec. 1 order, signed by Chief Judge Cindy K. Smith. “After considering the Tribe’s current COVID-19 operational policy, (Non-Pharmaceutical Protection) procedures, and current information from both Kitsap County and Washington State Departments of Health, the Emergency Operations Center does not approve resuming jury trials at this time.”

The order indicates scheduling of jury trials will resume on Feb. 1.

Meanwhile, probation appointments will be conducted by phone, or as directed by the probation officer.

You can read the full order here.