Hennepin County Courthouse Closing During Derek Chauvin Trial

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Hennepin County Courthouse is closing many of its services to the public during the trial of Derek Chauvin the former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd.

Opening arguments in the trial, which could last through May, are scheduled to begin on March 29.

While the trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on March 8, many services have already relocated, and photos and videos on social media show the building has already been surrounded by fencing and barricades.

Chief Hennepin County District Judge Toddrick Barnette told the Minneapolis Star Tribune the courthouse will be closed to everyone who is not involved in the trial.

"I'm trying to move as many people as possible out of the building," Barnette told the publication. "Yes, we're telling our employees to work from home, don't come to the government center."

Here's what to expect during the closure:

The domestic abuse service center will close its provisional remote services access room in the government center on March 1. Remove services including advocacy, protection orders and safety planning will be available by phone at 612-348-5073.

The law library will suspend curbside pickup and close its book drop on March 1. Late fees will be suspended and due dates will be extended. Law library staff will be available at 612-348-2903 and law.library@hennepin.us, and online resources will remain available.

Probation services in the government center will relocate starting March 1. Clients must contact their probation officer before attending any appointments at the government center. Clients who do not have their probation officer's contact information should email POConnect@hennepin.us.

Access to the sheriff's office will be available using the entrance on 4th Street.

Related: 'Operation Safety Net': Latest On Safety During Chauvin Trial

The public health clinic will continue to serve patients at the Health Services Building at 525 Portland Avenue South. Red Door Clinic will also remain open.

In-person copy service is also suspended. Copy requests can be made in writing by submitting a request online. Residents must click the "Court Records" tab and make a request on the public access record terminals between 8 a.m. and noon.

Information about remote court hearings is available by calling the court payment center from inside the metro area at 651-281-3219 or from outside the metro area at 1-800-657-3611. Calls can also be made to the centralized contact center at 612-348-6000. Free technology is available at the Family Justice Center.

Court filings — paperwork can be filed by mail, electronically or via the drop box at the Family Justice Center. Residents are reminded to include necessaries with paperwork. For help with court filings, call 612-348-9399 and leave message.

Psych Services — Residents should call 612-348-3723 regarding meetings, appointments, interviews and Rule 20 meetings.Most interviews will be held at the Family Justice Center or Juvenile Justice Center.

Hearing Officer and Tickets — To schedule an appointment with a hearing officer or to contest or pay a ticket, residents should call 651-281-3219 from within the metro area or 1-800-657-3611 from outside the metro area.

Bail payments can be made at the district court counter at the public safety facility during business hours. During non-business hours, payments can be made at the in-custody records window at public safety facility.

Licenses, certificates and permits are available online, by mail, by fax and in-person at other locations. Service options are available online.

Plats — Starting March 2, plat signing will not be available at the government center. View service options online.

Property taxes can be paid online or through conventional payment options. Learn more online.

Hennepin Health will be available to provide services including transportation, bus passes and plan benefits over the phone at 612-596-1036 or 1-800-627-3529.

Housing and shelter offers Access Waypoint, a digital directory connecting people experiencing homelessness or extreme financial hardship to services.

Human Services will continue to offer public assistance and respond to phone calls at 612-596-1300. Social workers — along with case management and personal care assistant services — are available through Front Door Social Services at 612-348-4111.