The Connecticut Judicial Branch has announced a partial Monday reopening of Superior Court courthouses in Middletown, Torrington and Rockville, but some attorneys in those communities say it's still too early to open for business during the current health pandemic.

Even though employees and visitors will have strict rules related to wearing masks and social distancing, longtime Torrington attorney Audrey Blondin questions the wisdom of opening the courthouses at this time.

"I have a master's degree in public health, and I'm over 65, and I'm particularly concerned," said Blondin, who has run the Blondin Law Office around the corner from the courthouse for four decades. "The majority of lawyers in Torrington are older. I'm concerned about the safety aspect. You might still be able to get the virus from what is circulating in the air."

Blondin, who does elder, probate and real estate law and has done extensive family and criminal law, continued: "I'd wait to open the courthouse. It only takes one case of someone touching someone or someone coughing."

No one from the Judicial Branch would comment on Blondin's concerns, but the branch did issue a statement on the safety protocols.

"The Judicial Branch we left behind as this crisis emerged will not be the same Judicial Branch we return to," Chief Court Administrator Patrick Carroll III said in a statement. "Masks, social distancing, hand sanitizers, limitations on the number of people allowed in courtroom and courthouses, and enhanced sanitization protocols are all going to be with us for the foreseeable future."

The three courthouses will be open for what is referred to as "Priority 1 Business." That entails, among other things. arraignments of defendants held on bond; arraignments of defendants in  any domestic violence cases; emergency child custody matters; and juvenile detention hearings. In addition, juvenile court business will resume in Middletown and Torrington, as well as in New Britain, on Monday.

Other attorneys who have offices in the communities where the three courthouses are opening said they feel confident and safe in going into the courthouses.

"I think it's a positive sign toward progress that our judicial system is making," said Jonathan Shapiro, a partner with Aeton Law Partners in Middletown who specializes in commercial litigation and general business transactions. "Opening the courthouse—having access to justice—is important for this community."

"Every profession out there, not just lawyers, are looking forward to returning to the new normal," said Shapiro, who says he uses the courthouse "regularly."

"I do a lot of trial work," said Shapiro.

Similarly, Middletown attorney Brad Malicki of Halloran & Sage, said, "It's an exciting time. Naturally, we don't want anyone to get sick but it's time we get things moving again. This is a step in the right direction and it's vital for the community for both civil and criminal matters."

Malicki, who deals in real estate law and corporate and business matters, also said he's heard from colleagues in the area. "They want to proceed with caution, but they are happy to get matters back on the docket and to start moving business again," he said.

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