Judge Richard G. Opiela

PLEASE NOTE THE HEARING DATE AND TIME CAREFULLY.  All court appearances involve inconvenience to everyone concerned.  With twenty (20) days notice, it is expected that each person will make arrangements to be present for their hearing.

Postponements will be granted only under circumstances; requests will be considered only if submitted in writing at least seven (7) days in advance.

NO TELEPHONE POSTPONEMENTS EXCEPT IN TRUE EMERGENCIES.

In a case involving a police officer, hearings are coordinated with the police department work schedule, thereby saving thousands of tax dollars each year.  A serious effort is made to have every case heard at or near the time set for a hearing.

A VERDICT OR JUDGEMENT IN DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST A PARTY WHO FAILS TO APPEAR FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES AFTER THE TIME SET FOR THE HEARING.

Please check in at the window when you arrive for your hearing.  Cases will be decided solely on the evidence presented in the court room.  I do not discuss yesterday’s or tomorrow’s cases in person or on the telephone.

Richard G. Opiela
District Court 05-2-02