Operating Status
ShareThe initial appearance of an arrested person before a judge to determine whether or not there is probable cause for his or her arrest. Generally the person comes before a judge within hours of the arrest. This is also called an initial appearance.
The Courts are experiencing intermittent phone system outages, and some court operations cannot be reached via their phone numbers. In the meantime, please use their email addresses.
During the Government shutdown, all jurors should report to Court according to their jurors' summons. The Superior Court will not issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies during the shutdown. The Superior Court will continue to issue certified copies of vital records, which include certified copies of marriage certificates that were issued by the Superior Court. For more details, visit our MARRIAGE page here: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters As of October 14, 2025, the District of Columbia Office of the Secretary began issuing marriage licenses, certified copies of marriage licenses issued by the Secretary, and are authorizing religious and civil celebrants to perform weddings in the District of Columbia. More details here: https://os.dc.gov/page/marriage-bureau More information on the DC Courts government shutdown plan can be found here: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/DC_Courts_Shutdown_Plan.pdf
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District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010