Orange County courts have reduced their operations in response to the current coronavirus pandemic. The court will not conduct any new out-of-custody arraignments or restraining order hearings until at least April 24, 2020. That closure could be prolonged again.
This doesn't mean that the courts are completely dormant, though. Judges and court staff are working frantically to hear emergency matters and to reduce the over-crowded conditions inside the jails. The California Judicial Counsel recently ordered local judges to reduce bail to $0 in most cases, essentially granting OR releases to many defendants. If you have a loved one who is currently incarcerated in an Orange County jail, now is a great time to apply for a bail reduction or pre-trial release.
The courts are still accepting new restraining order petitions, but all hearings have been postponed by at least 30 days. This means that individuals who have suffered abuse or harassment can still get the immediate protection of a temporary restraining order. The order can now remain in effect for up to 7 weeks before the restrained party has an opportunity to respond at a court hearing. The restraining order is enforceable during that time.
The Orange County District Attorney and the Anaheim City Attorney are still filing new charges with initial appearance dates after 4/24. Specifically, prosecutors are working to process a wave of domestic violence cases that have spiked during the lock-down. When the Judicial Counsel lowered bail to $0 for most offenses, they specifically excluded domestic violence charges. This means that anyone arrested on suspicion of domestic violence during the lock-down WILL go into custody unless they post bail.
Courts have also been working to adopt some new technology that should facilitate remote appearances. I have been corresponding with judges, prosecutors and court staff by email this week. They tell me that we are going to start using video conferences to discuss settlement offers shortly.
Information is changing quickly, so check back often for updates as they become available.
As always, please feel free to call my office for a free attorney consultation if you have any questions. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.
Thanks for reading.
