IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FEB 12 2001

FILED

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FEB 12 2001

FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS ,, ....

a K, U.S. DISTRICT COURT

HERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

IN RE: EAST ST. LOUIS OFFICE

)

COURT OPERATIONS AND )

THE USE OF VIDEO AND )

TELECONFERENCING DURING THE ) Administrative Order No. 266

EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES )

CREATED BY THE COVID-19 VIRUS. )

SEVENTH AMENDED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

This seventh amended omnibus Administrative Order amends and supersedes

Administrative Order No. 266 dated November 20, 2020,1 relative to cases and

proceedings before the District Court, the use of video and teleconferencing, and the

operation of the federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton, Illinois, during the

continuing exigent circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bankruptcy Court

proceedings also are addressed below. This seventh amendment of Administrative Order

No. 266 details new restrictions, as well as a flexible plan for operations during this

fluctuating public health crisis. The Court recognizes that it is impossible to cover all

contingencies during this fluid situation. This Order is therefore designed to give the

presiding judicial officers flexibility to address issues as they arise while implementing

necessary safeguards.

I. Implementation of the COOP/COVID-19 Plan

The current COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the Southern District of Illinois, all

50 states, and countries around the world. Although for many this disease appears to

1 Administrative Order No. 266 (and subsequent amendments) supplant Second Amended Administrative

Order No. 261 dated April 1, 2020, Amended Administrative Order No. 262 dated April 1, 2020, and

Administrative Order No. 263 dated March 30, 2020.

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cause only flu-like symptoms, for others it can pose a serious risk, even death. On March

29, 2020, the Judicial Conference of the United States declared that emergency conditions

caused by the COVID-19 outbreak are materially affecting, and will continue to

materially affect, the functioning of the federal courts generally.

The rate of contamination in the 38 counties comprising this district is fluctuating.

After precipitously increasing at the beginning of 2021, contamination rates have

dropped, but vaccinations are still not widely available for everyone, and new, more

virulent strains of the virus have been found in Illinois. The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (“CDC”) has stressed the need to continue practicing measures to avoid

opportunities for exposure, such as teleworking, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Similarly, the governor of Illinois has directed that all those who can work remotely

should do so.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, particularly between

people who are in close proximity with one another (within 6 feet), in closed spaces for

prolonged periods, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. The Court finds, for

the reasons stated, that under The Federal Judiciary COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines,

Gating Criteria, and Recovery Resources issued by the Administrative Office of the

United States Courts, it can continue a phased plan for operations, but the rate of infection

within the district warrants additional precautionary measures to protect the health of

litigants, counsel, witnesses, the public, and court personnel. Restrictions will be adjusted

as local conditions dictate.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the undersigned Chief Judge and chair of the

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district's Security Committee —after consultation with the judges of this district, the

United States Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service, and the General Services

Administration building managers—continues the activation and implementation of the

district’s COOP/COVID-19 Plan until further order of the Court. In accordance with the

Plan, and pursuant to 41 C.F.R. § 102-74.375(b), access to the federal courthouses in East

St. Louis and Benton will be minimized, and the operations of the District Court,

Bankruptcy Court, and the Probation and Pretrial Services Office will be altered as

necessary.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, consistent with the COOP/COVID-19 Plan, and

after consultation with the Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of the

United States Courts, all employees of the District Court shall report to the courthouse as

directed by their supervisor, and shall telework whenever possible. All District Court

employees who, after consultation with their supervisor, are deemed unable to report to

the courthouse, telework, or perform alternate duties, will be placed on administrative

leave.

II. Courthouse Restrictions

It is ORDERED that, effective February 16, 2021:

e The federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton will be OPEN to the

public, subject to restrictions related to maintaining the public health. Inperson settings will continue to be kept to a minimum and scheduled in a

manner to maintain safety protocols. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing

will be utilized to ensure the work of the Court continues.

e Civil jury trials will resume March 1, 2021, and criminal jury trials will resume

April 12, 2021, albeit at a pace and in a manner that ensures the safety of all

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involved. Any trials currently scheduled remain set, absent order of the

presiding judge.

Civil and criminal bench trials can resume immediately. Any bench trials

currently scheduled remain set, absent order of the presiding judge.

Each judge shall have discretion to adjust his or her docket in the interest of

safety and efficiency, and appropriate notices will be sent to counsel.

The Clerk's Offices in East St. Louis and Benton will be OPEN to the public

effective February 16, 2021, subject to restrictions as local conditions dictate.

Updates will be published on the Court's public webpage

(https: / /www.ilsd.uscourts.gov) and transmitted to the local bar via the Case

Management/ Electronic Case Filing (“CM/ECF”) system. To reduce foot

traffic and ease accessibility, the Court will continue to accept filings from pro

se litigants via email, and continue to accept emergency pleadings via email.

Drop boxes for filings also remain accessible at both courthouses. Detailed

procedures regarding filings and other court business are set forth later in this

order.

Until further order of the Court the following restrictions and protocols shall

apply:

All persons seeking entry to, or occupying the courthouse, must wear a face

mask (no scarfs, neck gaiters, or masks with air vents) in the public areas of

the courthouses; this includes the lobby, elevator banks, restrooms, public

corridors, and, unless excused by the presiding judge, courtrooms. The

face mask must always completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth.

Personnel working in a private office or workspace that permits at least six

feet of physical distance from other persons may temporarily remove their

mask, but should don a mask when anyone comes within six feet of them.

The only persons excepted from this requirement are those who provide

documentation that they are unable, for medical reasons, to wear a face

covering, in which case a shield and social distancing will suffice.

Any person falling into one of the following categories SHALL NOT ENTER

either courthouse:

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¢ People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms

within the last 14 days:

e Fever (100.4 F or above) or chills

e Cough

e Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

e Fatigue

e Muscle or body aches

e Headache

e New loss of taste or smell

e Sore throat

e Congestion or runny nose

e Nausea or vomiting

e Diarrhea

* Persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with

anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

“Close contact” is defined as being within six feet of someone (with or

without masks being worn) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more

during a 24-hour period, or were exposed to respiratory secretions by

being directly coughed or sneezed on.

* Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital,

or health agency within the last 14 days, or who are awaiting the results

of a COVID-19 viral test.

The Federal Protective Service and Court Security Officers will enforce the

posted building restrictions. Visitors must review signage regarding the

criteria for exclusion from the courthouse and answer whether they meet the

criteria for restriction. Those answering “yes” to the criteria for restriction will

be denied access to the courthouse. Visitors who register a fever via the

temperature kiosk or who visibly appear to have the symptoms listed above

will also be denied entry to the building. All other security requirements for

entrance, such as showing proper identification and passing through a

magnetometer, remain in effect.

Visitors are expected to perform hand hygiene at the point of entry, and

practice social distancing while in the courthouse. Hand sanitizer will be

available throughout the building.

Visitors will be asked to leave if they do not follow these standards or maintain

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social distancing as directed, and may be found in contempt of Court.

e Members of the public not permitted access to the courthouse may call for

assistance:

e East St. Louis District Court Help Desk: 866-867-3169

¢ Benton District Court Help Desk: 866-222-2104

e East St. Louis Bankruptcy Court: 618-482-9400

e Benton Bankruptcy Court: 618-435-2200

e East St. Louis United States Marshals Service: 618-482-9336

e Benton United States Marshals Service: 618-439-7701

e Federal Public Defender’s Office: 314-496-3883 or 618-792-4047

e Additional information will be posted on each Court or agency’s public

webpage.

All public events and ceremonies, such as school tours and civic events, are

canceled, subject to being reset as local conditions permit.

Il]. The CARES Act and Criminal Proceedings

Section 15002(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

(“CARES Act”), H.R. 748 (2020), provides for video teleconferencing

(‘videoconferencing”), or telephone conferencing teleconferencing”) __ if

videoconferencing is not reasonably available, for certain criminal proceedings, if the

Judicial Conference of the United States finds that emergency conditions caused by the

COVID-19 outbreak will materially affect the functioning of either the federal courts

generally or a particular district court, and the chief judge of a court covered by that

finding authorizes videoconferencing, or teleconferencing if videoconferencing is not

reasonably available. Additional case-by-case findings are required of the presiding

judge relative to felony pleas and sentencings. In any event, videoconferencing and

teleconferencing can only occur with the consent of the defendant.

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The Court finds, for the reasons stated above relative to the Implementation of the

COOP/COVID-19 Plan, that it cannot apply the recommended social distancing

measures in all situations without endangering the health of defendants, counsel, the

public, and court personnel, thereby necessitating the use of videoconferencing, or

teleconferencing if videoconferencing is not reasonably available. As of the date of this

Order, teleconferencing has been tested and is operational, and a stable, secure

videoconferencing system is available in most circumstances. In-court proceedings,

videoconferencing, and teleconferencing will all be utilized to maximize the Court's

ability to carry out its constitutional mission.

The Court AUTHORIZES the use of videoconferencing, or teleconferencing if

videoconferencing is not reasonably available, for the following criminal proceedings, as

specified in the CARES Act:

Detention hearings under 18 U.S.C. § 3142;

Initial appearances under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5;

Preliminary hearings under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5.1;

Waivers of Indictment under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 7(b);

Arraignments under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 10;

Probation and supervised revocation proceedings under Federal Rule of

Criminal Procedure 32.1;

e Pretrial release revocation proceedings under 18 U.S.C. § 3148;

e Appearances under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 40;

e Misdemeanor pleas and sentencings under Federal Rule of Criminal

Procedure 43(b)(2);

e Proceedings under 18 U.S.C. § 403 (commonly known as the “Federal

Juvenile Delinquency Act”), except for contested transfer hearings and

juvenile delinquency adjudication or trial proceedings

Again, the videoconferencing or teleconferencing authorized above may only take

place with the consent of the defendant, or the juvenile, after consulting with counsel.

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In accordance with the CARES Act, if the district judge in a particular case finds

for specific reasons that the plea or sentencing in a case cannot be further delayed without

serious harm to the interests of justice, a felony plea under Federal Rule of Criminal

Procedure 11 and felony sentencing under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32 may be

conducted by video conference, or by teleconference if videoconference is not reasonably

available. However, videoconferencing or teleconferencing of felony pleas under Rule 11

and felony sentencings under Rule 32 may only take place with the consent of the

defendant, or the juvenile, after consulting with counsel. Although the courthouses will

be open to the public starting February 16, 2021, the Court will continue to conduct

remote settings if a defendant knowingly and voluntarily consents to a

videoconference hearing in order to reduce any risk to him/herself that may be

occasioned by appearing in person. Defense counsel shall alert the appropriate

courtroom deputy clerk whether the defendant wishes to attend in-person or by

videoconference so that appropriate accommodations can be made. If a hearing is set

by videoconference and the defendant wishes to have an in-person hearing, counsel

shall immediately notify the appropriate courtroom deputy clerk. Similarly, if an inperson hearing is set and the defendant wishes to appear remotely and knowingly and

voluntarily consents to do so, counsel shall notify the courtroom deputy clerk.

IV. Videoconferencing and Teleconferencing Protocols

In any traditional in-court proceeding —civil or criminal—that is conducted via

videoconference or teleconference due to the exigent circumstances stemming from the

COVID-19 outbreak, audio or video feeds will be available to the public and press to the

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extent practicable. Information detailing how to access any audio and/or video feed of

court proceedings will be posted in the notice of setting on a case-by-case basis, and

general information will be published on the district court’s public webpage

www.ilsd.uscourts.gov.

All attorneys are responsible for monitoring notices of settings and must relay

those notices to any other attorney who might be handling a case in the attorney’s

stead. If directed to participate via teleconference or videoconference, participants may

not participate in person without the permission of the Court.

Counsel and other participants, and those monitoring remotely, are responsible

for their own computers and audio-video equipment. The Court does not provide

technical assistance.

Participants in a teleconference or videoconference, and those monitoring

remotely, must mute all electronic devices and audible notifications, and should conduct

themselves as if physically in the courtroom. Audio and video of any court proceeding

may not be recorded or rebroadcast in any manner. See ILSD Local Rule 83.5. Violators

may be held in contempt of court and face other penalties.

In the event a defendant in a criminal case does not consent to the use of

videoconferencing or teleconferencing under Sections 15002(b)(1-2) of the CARES Act,

credentialed members of the press and public may attend such hearings in person in

accordance with this Order, provided social distancing can be maintained. At the

discretion of the presiding judge, principal participants and the public and press may be

physically segregated from each other, including utilizing multiple rooms, and

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videoconferencing and/or teleconferencing. Social distancing protocols will be required

in all proceedings, and the number of in-person participants may be limited based on the

capacity of the room, and in consideration of CDC guidance on social distancing.

Courtroom spectators are reminded that there are health and safety risks associated with

attending an in-person court hearing.

The Court recognizes that the public and the press have a qualified First

Amendment right of access to certain court proceedings and that the use of

videoconferencing and/or teleconferencing may implicate that right. Nonetheless, for the

reasons set forth in this Order, the Court finds that these procedures are necessitated by

the emergency conditions caused by COVID-19 and must be implemented to prevent the

spread of the COVID-19 virus. See Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 478 U.S. 1, 9

(1986); Press-Enterprise Co. v. Superior Court, 464 U.S. 501, 510 (1984); Walton v. Briley, 361

F.3d 431, 433 (7th Cir. 2004).

V. District Court Filings and Proceedings

The Clerk’s Offices in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public effective

February 16, 2021. To reduce foot traffic and ease accessibility, the Court will continue to

accept filings from pro se litigants via email, and continue to accept emergency pleadings

via email. Drop boxes for filings also remain accessible at both courthouses. Any time a

courthouse or Clerk’s Office is closed to the public, filings will continue to be processed

in civil and criminal cases. A variety of filing and payment methods are available:

e Attorneys should continue to utilize the CM/ECF system.

e For pro se parties without access to CM/ECF, documents may be submitted by

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mail to:

U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office

750 Missouri Ave., East St. Louis, IL 62201

or

U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office

301 W. Main St., Benton, IL 62812

Filings submitted by mail will be processed upon receipt, possibly at a slightly

delayed pace. (The impact of any delay is addressed below). Due to the exigent

circumstances, the Court suspends the prohibition against pro se parties

emailing their filings to the Clerk’s Office. The Court will accept filings from

pro se litigants via email that comply with these requirements: (a) the filing

must be in PDF format; (b) the filing must be signed “s/ [filer’s name]” or bear

a handwritten signature; (c) the email must be _ sent to

ProSeFiling@ilsd.uscourts.gov; (d) the email must state the party’s name,

address, and phone number; (e) for existing cases, the email’s subject line must

read: “Pro Se Filing [Insert Your Case Number],” and for new cases, the email’s

subject line must read: “Pro Se Filing in New Case.” Emails that do not comply

with these requirements will not be reviewed and will not be considered a

proper filing.

Drop-boxes will remain available in the entryway of the East St. Louis and

Benton Courthouses.

Emergency _filings may be submitted by email to:

EmergencyFiling@ilsd.uscourts.gov. All emergency filings must include an

email address and phone number where the filer may be reached.

Payments by attorneys utilizing the CM/ECF system will be processed via

credit card utilizing Pay.gov. Non-attorneys and those filing via mail or email

may make payments via credit card by calling the Clerk’s Offices in East St.

Louis or Benton between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Depending on the office’s

operational status, callers may be directed to call the Help Desk where they can

leave a message and have their call returned). Payments by check or money

order will be accepted by mail and will be processed upon receipt. Cash

payments will again be accepted at the East St. Louis and Benton Clerk’s

Offices between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (subject to change depending on the

office’s operational status). Any pro se litigant filing a case via mail or email

and not simultaneously paying via credit card, check, or money order will

receive notice from the Clerk’s Office with directions for making payment by a

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specified deadline.

Any questions may be directed to:

e East St. Louis District Court Help Desk: 866-867-3169

e Benton District Court Help Desk: 866-222-2104

Messages will be returned during business hours (9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.).

In all civil cases, non-trial proceedings remain set, absent a specific order of the

Court. Judges will attempt to maximize teleconferencing and

videoconferencing, but in-person proceedings may still be set.

In all civil cases, all deadlines, whether set by the Court, the Federal Rules of

Civil Procedure, or Local Rules, remain as set as of the date of this Order. More

specifically, deadlines previously extended by Administrative Orders Nos.

261, 262, and 263 (and any subsequent amendments) are not extended further

by this omnibus Order. Administrative Orders Nos. 261, 262, and 263 (and any

subsequent amendments) and this omnibus Order do not grant an extension

of any deadlines imposed by Civil Rules 50(b) or (d), 52(b), 59(b), (d), or (e),

or 60(b). See Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b)(2). If the COVID-19 public emergency results

in the Clerk’s Office being inaccessible, deadlines will be extended as set forth

in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(a)(3). Litigants are cautioned that

Administrative Orders Nos. 261, 262, and 263 (and any subsequent

amendments) and this omnibus Order do not affect the rights to, or

deadlines concerning, any appeal from any decision of this Court. The

deadlines for filing a notice of appeal remain in place and must be followed

to preserve appellate rights. The Court invites parties to file an extension of

time to appeal under Appellate Rule 4(a)(5)(A) no later than 30 days after the

time prescribed by Rule 4(a). If a timely extension motion is filed, then the

Court deems that good cause exists for the extension in light of current public

health concerns. If a filing is mailed by a prisoner, the traditional “mailbox”

rule shall govern its filing date. If a filing is mailed by a non-prisoner, the filing

date shall be deemed to be the postmark date, subject to any party’s right to

move that a different date be used.

Effective February 16, 2021, the United States Marshals Service, and those

contracted on its behalf, will resume effecting personal service of process under

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(c)(3), 28U.S.C. § 1915(d), and 28 U.S.C. § 1916,

for any cases pending in this district or any other district. Service of process by

mail, waivers of service under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(d), and service

by electronic means will also resume, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

In any civil case in which the United States Marshals Service has heretofore

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suspended the service of process, the time for service under Federal Rule of

Civil Procedure 4(m) is TOLLED until March 1, 2021.

The public health crisis does not affect the Court’s consideration of civil or

criminal motions that can be resolved without in-court proceedings. The Court,

on a case-by-case basis and for good cause shown, may extend, shorten, or

revoke any deadline.

With regard to criminal matters before the Court, the Court shall have

discretion to quash any previously issued arrest warrant and instead issue a

summons.

New arrestees will be scheduled for proceedings as expeditiously as possible.

The Court FINDS that any delay incurred in arrestees being brought before a

magistrate judge pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(a) during

this period of time, by its nature, to be a necessary delay to protect all parties,

counsel, and the public, as well as jail and court staff. Provisions of the Speedy

Trial Act are not triggered until “the filing date (and making public) of the

information or indictment” or “from the date the defendant has appeared

before a judicial officer of the court in which [the] charge is pending” —

whichever date last occurs. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(c)(1).

Magistrate judges shall provisionally appoint the Office of the Federal Public

Defender on any new or recent arrests in cases where counsel has not appeared,

subject to being vacated if the individual is later determined to not be indigent.

Any such appointment will, of course, be vacated if private counsel enters an

appearance on behalf of a defendant.

Effective February 16, 2021, the United States Marshals Service will resume

transporting any individuals subject to a writ of habeas corpus to the district,

as the Marshals Service transportation system permits.

Both in-person and remote hearings will continue to be utilized in criminal

cases. Relative to remote settings, or any setting delayed due to local

conditions, if any defendant and his or her counsel or the United States

Attorney seeks an immediate in-person hearing before a magistrate judge —as

is a defendant's right—counsel shall file a motion making the request and

stating the reason an immediate hearing is needed. When possible, the motion

shall be designated as a joint motion. If a joint request is not feasible, the

magistrate judge will impose a short deadline for a response. Any motions

requesting a hearing shall be brought to the immediate attention of the

appropriate magistrate judge’s chambers. Magistrate judges will decide on a

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case-by-case basis whether the circumstances call for an emergency hearing

and, if deemed appropriate, a hearing will be set by the magistrate judge.

Any required emergency hearing may be held remotely by video conferencing

if the defendant consents pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f)

and the terms of this Order. The Court will accept verbal consents on the

record when the hearing is held, but encourages counsel to secure a written

waiver when possible. Such requests should be made, for instance, when there

is an argument for immediate release of the defendant or there is any other

compelling reason that a hearing is absolutely necessary. A transfer to a facility

with established videoconferencing may be necessary if a remote hearing is

required and cannot be accomplished according to the current placement

designated by the United States Marshals Service. In-person settings may be

limited due to health and safety protocols.

Should it become necessary to again close either courthouse to the public, only

essential proceedings will occur. Initial appearances, arraignments, detention

hearings, and proceedings where in-person attendance is constitutionally

required are deemed essential and will be conducted in person, absent any

waiver permitted under the law and the terms of this Order. As to all other

criminal matters during any period of closure, judges shall have sole discretion

to determine what proceedings should go forward, or whether

videoconferencing or telephone conferencing can be utilized. Each judge will

so notify the affected parties and reset the matters as appropriate. In all

circumstances, delays will be kept to a minimum, particularly with respect to

pretrial detention. Any continuances will not affect any other deadlines unless

the presiding judge so indicates.

Until further order of the Court, in all matters set for an in-person hearing,

counsel must make the necessary inquiries and notify the presiding judge and

opposing counsel if that attorney or any individuals the attorney intends to

bring to the courthouse meet any of the criteria for restriction from the

courthouse. The presiding judge will have sole discretion to determine whether

the proceeding should be delayed or go forward, perhaps by alternative means.

All detainees, upon arrival at the East St. Louis or Benton courthouses and

before appearance in court, shall undergo screening for fever and other

outward signs of COVID-19 contamination; such screening shall be

administered by and/or at the direction of the United States Marshals Service

or its agents or designees. The presiding judge must be notified if the detainee

exhibits risk factors. The judge shall have the discretion to order the detainee

returned to the facility from which he or she came. Videoconferencing and

teleconferencing and other technologies also may be utilized as practicable,

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and participants in a hearing may be separated as directed by the presiding

judge in the interest of public health.

Change of plea and sentencing hearings may be delayed or have to be reset as

local contamination rates dictate. A defendant and/or counsel may file a

motion requesting an emergency hearing stating (1) the reason(s) why an

emergency setting is necessary; and (2) whether the defendant, after

consultation with counsel, consents to hold the hearing by video teleconference

or telephone. Counsel also shall notify the courtroom deputy clerk by phone

that an emergency motion has been filed.

Any time period of the continuances implemented by this Administrative

Order or other Orders of the Court due to the COVID-19 crisis will be excluded

under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of

justice—in terms of the nationally recognized public health dangers and

constitutional aspects of summoning a jury—served by the continuances

outweigh the best interests of the public and any defendant's right to a speedy

trial pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §3161(h)(7)(A). All necessary Orders will be entered

in each case.

Deadlines in criminal cases, including motions, briefing, and discovery

deadlines, whether set by the Court, by the Federal Rules of Criminal

Procedure, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, or Local Rules, are not

impacted by this omnibus Order, except to the extent they are triggered by a

setting or deadline that has been continued or canceled. Motions for extension

of time, and all other motions in criminal cases, will be entertained by the Court

as usual.

All probation and supervised release revocation hearings are subject to being

rescheduled by the presiding judge. The defendant, defense counsel, the

United States Probation Office, or the United States Attorney’s Office may

request an earlier hearing.

Grand juries shall continue to meet as long as conditions permit, with

reasonable limits on grand jury sessions imposed by the Court in consultation

with the U.S, Attorney’s Office. In the interest of health and safety, the Court

may exercise its authority to convene or discharge a grand jury. See generally

Korman v. United States, 486 F.2d 926, 933 (7th Cir. 1973). In the event grand jury

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sessions must be suspended, a separate order will issue. During any period of

delay, the respective Grand Juries will not be in session as the term is used in

18 U.S.C. § 3161(b).

Attorney admissions in-person ceremonies will not be performed until further

notice. Oath cards need not be notarized but must be signed. Instructions can

be found at https: / /www.ilsd.uscourts.gov/ Atty Admission.aspx .

Court Assistance Program (“CAP”) meetings are canceled until further notice.

The Central Violations Bureau dockets in East St. Louis and Benton are

canceled until March 2021. Notices will be sent to parties regarding those

dockets. Payments continue to be processed electronically (instructions appear

on each citation).

Naturalization ceremonies will be conducted by the United States Customs and

Immigration Service until further order of the Court. If an individual meets

the criteria set forth in 8 U.S.C. § 1448(c) as qualifying for the expedited

administration of the judicial oath, and if that individual is seeking a name

change pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1448(e), the Court, in coordination with the

United States Customs and Immigration Service, will arrange for

naturalization of that individual by a judicial officer. See Administrative Order

No. 268.

Announcements regarding any further restrictions to Court services will be

posted on the District Court's public webpage https: / / www.ilsd.uscourts.gov,

and attorneys will receive updates and notices via the CM/ECF system.

Bankruptcy Court Filings and Proceedings

All scheduled bankruptcy hearings, including emergency matters, will be held

telephonically, unless specially set by the presiding judge for an in-person hearing. The

Court will provide call in information to the parties prior to the hearing. For those

without access to CM/ECF, documents may be submitted by mail, or in the event of

emergency, may be submitted by email to: ilsbwebmaster@ilsb.uscourts.gov. All

emergency filings must include an email address and phone number where the filer may

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be reached.

VII. Probation and Pretrial Services

The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office will continue to

investigate and supervise individuals as ordered by the Court.

VIII. Expiration of this Order

The Court will closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and any changes to the

guidance offered by the CDC and local public health officials and make necessary

adjustments in the interest of public health and administration of justice. The Court will

vacate or amend this Administrative Order no later than May 7, 2021.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated this 12 day of February 2021.

Tees oastegl

NANCY J. ROSENSTENGEL

Chief U.S. District Judge

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