Criminal Cases & COVID-19
Posted on April 22, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on court operations and speedy trial rights, here are some things you should know.
Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile extends Order closing courtrooms, delaying trials and non-essential matters for 30 days. https://t.co/dHoOv5Vk1E
— LA Superior Court (@LASuperiorCourt) April 16, 2020
CBS Law Can Appear In Court For You
Until the judicial emergency is over, CBS Law can appear in court for you. The only exception are cases involving murder with special circumstances.
Everyone’s Speedy Trial Rights Are Delayed
For anyone arrested and accused of a felony:
- The maximum number of days to have an arraignment (the first court hearing) has been extended from 2 days to 7 days.
- The maximum number of days to have a preliminary hearing after arraignment has been extended from 10 days to 30 days.
- The maximum number of days to have a trial after arraignment on an information has been extended from 60 days to 120 days.
In addition, all status and progress reports due between April 17, 2020 and May 12, 2020 will be continued for 90 days. The court will notify you or CBS Law of the new court date.
For Most Arrests, Bail Must Be $0
As of April 10, 2020, bail for anyone arrested for a crime must be $0 unless the arrest is for a violation of:
- Any “serious” or “violent” felony, commonly known as a “strike”.
- Felony-level resisting arrest through the use of force, violence, or threats.
- A court order arising out of a domestic violence or elder abuse case.
- Intimidating, deterring, or tampering with a witness in a case.
- Spousal rape.
- Misdemeanor domestic violence.
- Stalking.
- A sex crime.
- DUI.
- Looting.
- Possession of a firearm.