SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Soon after COVID-19 hit, jury trials in Minnehaha County came to a virtual halt, causing a big backlog.
State’s Attorney Crystal Johnson says they’re now steadily working through the backed-up cases.
She says they’re doing about 30 jury trials a month, where usually it’s 15 to 20, and they’re not having any trouble finding jurors.
But they’re so far behind, that it may be early next year before the county is fully caught up.
The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down the justice system across South Dakota.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson says the presiding judge in each circuit can decide on when and how to resume jury trials.
