ALTUS – With the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging Oklahoma and derailing court trials for months, justice is on the move in Jackson County.
During a recent meeting, city and county officials decided to utilize the Altus Community Center to hold trials. The olive green building located at 401 Falcon Road has 9,400 square feet for trials to take place while ensuring that safe distancing can be employed to lessen any possible transmission of COVID-19 to jurors, justice officials, participants and the public involved in proceedings.
Noting that some prisoners already have missed scheduled trial dates because of the pandemic, District Judge Brad Leverett said an alternative location had to be found.
“If we miss another trial docket, it will be 18 months, which is entirely too long to wait (for a trial to be held), Leverett said. “None of us relish the idea of conducting jury trials in today’s climate, but unfortunately we’re really left with no choice.”
Altus City Manager Gary Jones, who participated in the discussion of utilizing the center, said the building is public property and that he was sure the city and residents would be in favor of making the space available for legal proceedings.
Leverett pledged to citizens and those attending proceedings in the venue that it was absolutely vital to have a large enough space to conduct trials where jurors could convene in safety to decide verdicts.
“From the first day, we will be screening at the door, sanitizing and social distancing, as well as requiring masks. With such measures in place, we are confident we can meet the parties’ constitutional right to a speedy trial while at the same time keeping our jury panel safe,” said Judge Leverett.