Continuing to Serve Our Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As you know, New York State has been seriously affected by the coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who is ill or has loved ones who have been infected with COVID-19. Understandably, this public health situation has caused concern for our firm’s current and prospective clients. The pandemic has changed the way we all live and changed the way justice is administered in New York, but our law firm and the court system itself are dedicated to making sure your rights are protected during this unprecedented time.

The status of our firm

Our law office remains open and available to assist you. Our team is working remotely as much as possible to maintain social distance. We’re meeting with clients over the phone rather than in person and we’re using video conferences and other online communications for clients who have those capabilities.

• Current clients — Please call us anytime to discuss your case. If we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail and we’ll call you back promptly.
• New clients — We are accepting new clients. Please feel free to contact us and we will consult with you as soon as possible.

Our response times may be longer than normal, but rest assured we will move as quickly as possible to address your needs and concerns. If you need help regarding a family law issue, a personal injury or if you’ve received a criminal summons or a notice of civil violation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The status of New York state courts

The New York State courts remain open but for essential proceedings only. These are some examples of cases being handled:

• Family court — Temporary orders of protection, child protection intake cases and orders to show cause.
• Criminal court —  Arraignments, bail applications, temporary orders of protection, resentencing of incarcerated defendants and sex offender registration issues.
• Civil court — Emergency guardianship issues, Mental Hygiene Law applications and extreme risk protection orders (ERPO).

New York’s Seventh Judicial District, where Rochester is located, has ordered that all non-essential matters are adjourned until at least April 30.

The status of federal courts

We frequently handle federal criminal defense matters in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, located here in Rochester. By court order, federal judges are allowed to adjourn any criminal proceeding until May 13. However, judges still have discretion to hear and decide any issue.

How to stay up to date

Please be sure to visit the court websites below for up-to-the-minute information.

• State court system
• Seventh Judicial District (Counties of Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates)
• Western District of New York (federal cases)

The Law Office of Maurice Verrillo, P.C., will be here to help you throughout the coronavirus emergency. Reach our Rochester office at 585-563-1134 or contact us online and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.

By Maurice J. Verrillo | Published April 3, 2020 | Posted in Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury, Wills & Probate | Tagged coronavirus, COVID-19, federal court, New York State courts, social distancing | Comments Off on Continuing to Serve Our Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic