Over the past few months, the world has had to adjust to a new normal due to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus strand – COVID-19.
California Emergency Rules Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Over the past few months, the world has had to adjust to a new normal due to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus strand – COVID-19. The pandemic has forced individuals, families, businesses, and governments to change course. Some of these changes in the state of California include legal changes in the form of emergency rules. The rules have been put in place in order to meet public health measures and safety protocols. If your legal case has been affected by COVID-19 or you were going to be engaged in a legal proceeding in the future, contact us at Law Advocates Group for detailed advice and expertise. Below will be a summary of the criminal and civil emergency rules, but almost each rule has its own subsections, so make sure to consult a legal professional.
Emergency Rules for Criminal Cases
One of the most important aspects of a criminal trial is a hearing. Given that individuals can no longer gather to the same extent as before, hearings and court procedures can be held remotely. This means a hearing could occur over the phone, electronic documents, or even video communications. The rules created an emergency bail schedule, which would provide bail to many offenders (barring limitations per the rule). The other rules are the suspension of trial juries and time extensions to the following: preliminary hearing, arraignment, and trial.
Emergency Rules for Civil Cases
Some of the emergency rules for civil cases are the same as the ones for criminal ones; hearings can be held remotely, and jury trials are suspended (documents can also be handled electronically). In addition, the emergency rules have placed a temporary halt on judicial foreclosures and evictions, thereby guaranteeing temporary housing for those involved in such cases during the pandemic. Furthermore, the request and renewal of restraining orders can continue under new conditions, which applies to emergency protective orders, temporary orders and permanent orders. The other rules concern changes to the civil statute of limitations and support orders.
If you have any questions on the emergency rules or would like detailed clarifications, please contact us today.
