This is the seventh general order addressing the Court’s operations due to the impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. As the community and the Court continue to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, further assessment of the Court’s operational needs has revealed that the Court is unable to maintain public access to the courthouse, even with modified business hours. While recovery efforts are still underway, the Court seeks to ensure that business matters and court proceedings can continue as scheduled, with accommodations as necessary, to preserve rights and ensure the safety of parties and the public. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. This general order supersedes General Order No. 26-00007.
2. The U.S. Courthouse located at Gualo Rai, Saipan, including the Clerk’s Office and the Office of Pretrial and Probation Services, will be closed to the public starting on April 28, 2026, and will remain closed until further order of the Court.
3. Criminal Matters. To the extent possible, criminal matters—such as initial appearances, arraignments, and detention hearings—will be conducted by videoconference with the defendant’s consent. The Court will make determinations as appropriate as to proceedings involving the taking of evidence and trial.
4. Civil Matters. Proceedings in civil matters will be conducted by videoconference. The Court will make determinations as appropriate as to proceedings involving the taking of evidence and trial.
5. Public Access to Proceedings. The public may access proceedings by audio through a teleconference line. Those interested in listening to a proceeding determined by the presiding judge to be appropriate for audio broadcast may do so by dialing 1-833-990-9400 and, when prompted, entering the meeting ID number 323184577#.
6. Statutes of Limitations; Tolling. Statutes of limitations, statutory deadlines, and all other required deadlines will NOT be tolled or excluded during this period unless specifically ordered by the Court.
7. Clerk’s Office; Filings. Access to the Clerk’s Office and filings will proceed in accordance with the procedures below.
   
   1. All business with the Clerk’s Office must be conducted by telephone and email.
      
      1. The telephone number for the Clerk’s Office is 1-670-237-1200.
      2. The fax number for the Clerk’s Office is 1-670-237-1201.
      3. The email for the Clerk’s Office is <clerks@nmid.uscourts.gov>.
   2. The Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday (except federal holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
   3. All requests for court documents, including summons, subpoenas, and federal records clearances, must be made by email to <qcclerks@nmid.uscourts.gov> or by calling the on-duty deputy clerk at 1-670-237-1200.
   4. Filings will continue to be processed in all cases via the CM/ECF electronic system, except for case openings and sealed matters.
   5. Email filings will continue to be accepted in accordance with Local Rule 5.3.
   6. Those who must make in-person filings or payments may call the on-duty deputy clerk at 1-670-237-1200 and may be instructed to leave materials at the drop box at the courthouse. In-person filings and payments will only be available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
   7. All dropped off materials must be placed in a sealed envelope. On the outside of the envelope, state the name of the person making the payment or filing, the case number (if applicable), and a contact phone number in case of any questions.
   8. Documents for filing or receipt will have the effective date of receipt by the Court, not when processed.
   9. For any filings that require immediate attention, please contact the on-duty deputy clerk at 1-670-237-1200.

See General Order No. 26-00008