Author: Utah Courts

Heber City, Utah— The Utah Judiciary invites Wasatch County residents to attend a Court Connect town hall on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Wasatch County Courthouse in Heber.

Court Connect is a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening public trust in the courts, expanding access to justice, and increasing awareness of court resources and services. This free, public event offers community members a chance to engage directly with Judiciary representatives in an informal, welcoming setting.

These town halls are designed to open doors and build stronger connections between the courts and the communities they serve. They offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the role of the Judiciary, how the courts operate, and how the judicial branch fits into the broader system of government.

What to Expect: 

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

● Better understand the role of the courts in Utah’s justice system

● Ask questions and connect directly with Judiciary representatives

● Discover how to access justice services, including self-help resources and online filing systems

● Learn about court resources available in their community

● Meet judges and court personnel in a less formal setting

These town halls mark the first step in an ongoing effort to create opportunities for the public and community partners to engage directly with the Judiciary. Court Connect events are open to everyone – individual community members, civic organizations, and anyone interested in learning more about Utah’s Judiciary. No registration is required. 

Event Details: 

● What: Court Connect Town Hall

● When: Thursday, January 8, 2026, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

● Where: Wasatch County Courthouse, 1361 S. Highway 40, Heber City, UT 84032

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Tooele County, Utah—The Judicial Nominating Commission for Tooele County has scheduled a meeting on January 7, 2026 to review applications for a justice court judge position that will serve Tooele County, Utah. The position will replace Judge John M. Dow who resigned in December. The Commission will begin the meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Tooele Courthouse, which is located at 74 South 100 East in Tooele, Utah.

The early portion of the meeting is scheduled for public comment about issues facing the Utah judiciary and improvements to the system. Public comments will be accepted from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Following the public comment period, the meeting will be closed to allow commission members to review applications for the vacancy.

Individuals interested in submitting oral or written commentary to the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting must contact Jim Peters at (801) 578-3824 or jamesp@utcourts.gov to request an appointment.

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Ogden, Utah — The Utah State Courts will officially launch a new Veterans Court in the Second District Court on January 5, 2026. Veterans Court is a specialized program designed to support military veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. It will serve residents of Weber, Davis, and Morgan counties.

Veterans Court is a problem-solving court that connects eligible veterans with treatment, mentoring, and support services while holding participants accountable through close judicial supervision. The program recognizes that some veterans face unique challenges related to military service, including post-traumatic stress, substance use disorders, and difficulties transitioning to civilian life.

Please join us for a news conference launching the start of Veterans Court in the Second District:

 Who:

Gov. Spencer Cox

Jennie Taylor, Veterans Advocate and Gold Star Widow

Judge Craig Hall, 2^nd District Court Judge

When:

Monday, January 5

10:00 a.m.

Where:

Ogden Second District Court

Courtroom 2D

2525 Grant Avenue, Ogden

The news conference will be followed by a reception. Media are invited to attend and speak with officials and possibly former participants about how Veterans Court works and the benefits it brings to Second District.

“This court is about accountability, treatment, and dignity,” said Judge Craig Hall. “Veterans Court allows us to address the underlying issues that may bring veterans into the justice system, while also honoring their service and helping them move forward in a productive way.”

Participants who qualify for Veterans Court will engage in a structured program that may include mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, regular court appearances, and mentorship from fellow veterans. Successful completion can result in reduced charges or alternative sentencing, depending on the case.

Veterans Court programs already operate successfully in Utah’s Third and Fourth Districts but expanding the program to the Second District is especially important given the proximity to Hill Air Force Base and the significant veteran population it serves.

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San Juan County, Utah—The Judicial Nominating Commission for San Juan County has selected three nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve San Juan County, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Lyon Hazleton who will retire at the end of the year.

Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and city of residence:

• Brittney Ivins, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Blanding,
• J. Shea Owens, J.D., Attorney at Law and Justice Court Judge in Kane County, resident  of Panguitch, and
• Stephen W. Whiting, Attorney at Law, resident of Vineyard.

A comment period will be held through December 28, 2025. Once application materials are  provided to the San Juan County Commission, it will have 30 days to make a final selection. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.

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Salt Lake City, Utah — The Utah State Courts previously announced the permanent closure of public parking at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse parking garage, effective January 1, 2026. That closure date remains in effect for the general public.

Update: Public parking in the Matheson parking garage will close on January 1, 2026, as previously announced. However, the implementation date has been extended for court patrons with a valid disability placard or license plate. The closure date for such spaces will be announced at a later time.

Patrons displaying a valid disability placard or license plate may continue to use the parking garage after January 1, 2026. Those patrons should be aware that access will be subject to increased security screening and should plan additional time when traveling to the courthouse.

Court patrons without a valid disability placard or license plate are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing alternative parking and transportation options when attending proceedings at the Matheson Courthouse.

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San Juan County, Utah—The Judicial Nominating Commission for San Juan County has
scheduled a meeting on December 17, 2025 to review applications for a justice court judge position that will serve San Juan County, Utah. The position will replace Judge Lyon Hazleton who will retire at the end of the year. The Commission will begin the meeting at 12:00 p.m. in the San Juan County Justice Courthouse, which is located at 297 South Main Street in Monticello, Utah.

The early portion of the meeting is scheduled for the public to comment about issues facing the Utah judiciary and improvements to the system. Public comments will be accepted from 12:30 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Following the public comment period, the meeting will be closed to allow commission members to review applications for the vacancy.

Individuals interested in submitting oral or written commentary to the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting must contact Jim Peters at (801) 578-3824 or jamesp@utcourts.gov to request an appointment.

Ogden Utah — The next regularly scheduled meeting of Utah’s grand jury panel of judges will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Ogden 2nd District Courthouse, located at 2525 Grant Ave, Ogden, UT 84401.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear testimony, if any, to determine whether a grand jury should be summoned based upon evidence of criminal activity. The panel of judges will hear, in secret, individuals claiming information that justifies calling a grand jury. Individuals appearing before the panel of judges will be placed under oath. An individual who testifies must be prepared to provide evidence to support a claim that justifies calling a grand jury. The Attorney General, a county attorney, district attorney, or special prosecutor appointed under U.C.A. section 77-10a-1 can also present evidence of criminal activity. Controversies between individual parties, civil matters, and matters that are subject to criminal appeal will not be considered.

Those wanting to testify before the panel of judges should contact Keri Sargent, Deputy District Court Administrator, Administrative Office of the Courts, at (801) 238-7547 by Monday, December 29, 2025, at noon, to schedule an appointment and arrange to receive further specific instructions. Any individual needing special accommodation during the hearing must notify panel staff at least three business days prior to the hearing. If no appointments are scheduled by the appointed time, the meeting will be canceled without further notice.

The current members of the grand jury panel of judges are: Supervising Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills, 3rd District Court; Judge Roger Griffin, 4th District Court; Judge Blaine Rawson, 2nd District Court; Judge Matthew Bell, 5th District Court; and Judge Matthew Bates, 3rd District Court. Additional information regarding the grand jury panel of judges is available at the Utah Court’s website2 or in the Utah Code.

1 Utah’s grand jury statute requires a panel of judges selected from throughout the state to hold a hearing in each judicial district every three years.

2 Grand Jury Schedule

3 77-10a-2. Panel of judges — Appointment — Membership — Ordering of grand jury

Salt Lake City, Utah —The Utah State Courts today announced that public parking in the underground garage at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse will be discontinued effective January 1st, 2026.

This change is part of an ongoing effort to enhance courthouse safety and security while maintaining convenient access for court users, jurors, attorneys, and the public.

“The Matheson Courthouse is one of the busiest judicial facilities in the state,” said Chris Palmer, Director of Security for the Utah State Courts. “This adjustment aligns with national security standards and is a proactive measure to better protect the public and court employees while ensuring continued access through nearby parking options.”

Members of the public visiting the courthouse are encouraged to use public transit, including the TRAX Courthouse Station, which is located directly adjacent to the courthouse, and multiple UTA bus routes that serve the surrounding area. Several public parking facilities within one block of the courthouse are also available, including:

·                 500 South Surface Lot

·                 WaFed Building Garage (405 S. Main Street)

·                 175 East 400 South Lot

·                 Salt Lake City metered street parking

This decision follows a multi-agency review involving the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Courts Security, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. The review considered operational efficiency, national security guidance, and the availability of alternative parking resources in downtown Salt Lake City.

Parking will continue to be available for jurors. Public communication materials, including signage and advance notifications, will be issued ahead of the transition.

“This is a careful, balanced decision,” Palmer added. “Public access remains a top priority. The goal is to ensure that access occurs in a way that maximizes safety for everyone in the courthouse”.

Updated maps, parking information, and answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at www.utcourts.gov and displayed on-site prior to the effective date.

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Salt Lake City, Utah — In response to multiple requests for comment regarding Judge Dianna Gibson’s ruling in the Utah Women Voters v. Utah State Legislature redistricting case, the Utah Judiciary issues the following statement:

Though the Utah Judiciary does not comment on the specifics of any threats made toward judges or court employees, we acknowledge that such incidents have recently occurred. We call on everyone to approach concerns involving the courts with civility, respect, and constructive dialogue.

Threats of violence against judges or court personnel are unacceptable, dangerous, and may violate state or federal law. Any conduct aimed at causing fear for a ruling or undermining the safe operation of the justice system strikes at the heart of the rule of law. Such actions endanger not only the individuals targeted but the functioning of the justice system itself.

Judges have a constitutional duty to apply the law to the facts before them, independent of external pressures. That independence is essential to preserving the separation of powers and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially.

When parties disagree with a judicial ruling, the appropriate and lawful avenue for addressing those concerns is the established appellate process. Utah’s courts provide a structured and transparent system for reviewing decisions and correcting potential errors, reinforcing public confidence in the integrity of the judicial process.

We encourage all Utahns to stand with the Judiciary in protecting the safety of our judges and employees and protecting the fair and impartial administration of justice.

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Tooele County, Utah—Applications are being accepted for a justice court judge position that will  serve Tooele County, Utah. The successful candidate will replace Judge John M. Dow who will retire in January. 

To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Tooele County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that would make one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Tooele County or an adjacent county either upon appointment or before taking the bench.  

Information on judicial retention and performance evaluation is posted on the Utah State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov under employment opportunities. An application for judicial office must be completed online at justicecourtvacancies.utah.gov before the deadline. The salary range for the position is $153,475 to $197,325 per year and includes benefits. For additional information  

about working for Tooele County, email Matthew Flygare, the Human Resources Director for Tooele County, at matthew.flygare@tooeleco.gov or call him at (435) 843-3157. 

The deadline for applications is Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. For questions about the justice courts or the process for filling this position, email Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.  

Utah law requires the Tooele County Justice Court Nominating Commission to submit at least three  nominees to Andy Welch, Tooele County Manager, within 45 days of its first meeting. Mr. Welch will then have 30 days in which to make a selection. His selection must then be ratified by the Tooele County Council and certified by the Utah Judicial Council.

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