Judge James W. Craft II

Applies to

Pleading

An attorney seeking an in-person hearing must file an affidavit with the pleading explaining the need for the hearing.

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must include a statement of the anticipated hearing length.

Applies to

Speedy trial waiver

Upon approval to participate, the defendant must sign a speedy-trial waiver and must be given the opportunity to consult an attorney beforehand if desired.

Contact

Phone to clerk

Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office by phone or in person to access case records.

During regular business hours, the authorized agency or officer must present a petition to the District Court Judge, or to the Circuit Court Judge if the District Court Judge is unavailable.

After regular business hours, the authorized agency or officer must present a petition to the Letcher District Judge, or to the Circuit Court Judge if the district judge is unavailable.

Applies to

Summons

When a covered case transfers to another circuit, the emergency protective order continues and the initiating court must reissue the summons; if service has not been made by transfer, the reissued summons is limited to fourteen days unless the court determines another period is necessary for the petitioner's protection, with further reissuance as needed in the receiving court.

Petitions must be reviewed within an hour of presentation to a judge unless a judge's unavailability makes review impossible.