COVID-19

From California Criminal Law Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Thanks to Douglas Feinberg, Laura Sheppard, Chuck Sevilla, Theresa Heinkel, Keri Klein, Dana Gross, Bob Marshall, Michelle Pena, Carolyn Woodall, and many more, for contributions I've solicited, or things I've stolen. Contributions should be sent to waylandchang.esq@gmail.com

John Hopkins COVID-19 map

COVID-19 dashboard

Another COVID-19 dashboard

Some general information

Judicial Council guides

Chief Justice's statements

  • Emergency Rules
    • Emergency Rule 3. Use of technology for remote appearances.
      • (a) Remote Appearances. Notwithstanding any other law, in order to protect the health and safety of the public, including court users, both in custody and out of custody defendants, witnesses, court personnel, judicial officers, and others, courts must conduct judicial proceedings and court operations as follows:
        • (1) Courts may require that judicial proceedings and court operations be conducted remotely.
        • (2) In criminal proceedings, courts must receive the consent of the defendant to 33 conduct the proceeding remotely and otherwise comply with emergency rule 5. Notwithstanding Penal Code sections 865 and 977 or any other law, the court may conduct any criminal proceeding remotely. As used in this rule, “consent of the defendant” means that the consent of the defendant is required only for the waiver of the defendant’s appearance as provided in emergency rule 5. For good cause shown, the court may require any witness to personally appear in a particular proceeding.
        • (3) Conducting proceedings remotely includes, but is not limited to, the use of video, audio, and telephonic means for remote appearances; the electronic exchange and authentication of documentary evidence; e-filing and e-service; the use of remote interpreting; and the use of remote reporting and electronic recording to make the official record of an action or proceeding.
      • (b) Sunset of rule. This rule will remain in effect until 90 days after the Governor declares that the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted, or until amended or repealed by the Judicial Council.
    • Emergency Rule 4. Emergency Bail Schedule.
      • (a) Purpose. Notwithstanding any other law, this rule establishes a statewide Emergency Bail Schedule, which is intended to promulgate uniformity in the handling of certain offenses during the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • (b) Mandatory application. No later than 5 p.m. on April 10 13, 2020, each superior court must apply the statewide Emergency Bail Schedule:
        • (1) To every accused person arrested and in pretrial custody.
        • (2) To every accused person held in pretrial custody.
      • (c) Setting of bail and exceptions. Under the statewide Emergency Bail Schedule, bail for all misdemeanor and felony offenses must be set at $0, with the exception of only the offenses listed below:
        • (1) A serious felony, as defined in Penal Code section 1192.7(c), or a violent 34 felony, as defined in Penal Code section 667.5(c);
        • (2) A felony violation of Penal Code section 69;
        • (3) A violation of Penal Code section 166(c)(1);
        • (4) A violation of Penal Code section 136.1 when punishment is imposed under section 136.1(c);
        • (5) A violation of Penal Code section 262;
        • (6) A violation of Penal Code sections 243(e)(1) or 273.5;
        • (7) A violation of Penal Code section 273.6 if the detained person made threats to kill or harm, has engaged in violence against, or has gone to the residence or workplace of, the protected party;
        • (8) A violation of Penal Code section 422 where the offense is punished as a felony;
        • (9) A violation of Penal Code section 646.9;
        • (10) A violation of an offense listed in Penal Code section 290(c);
        • (11) A violation of Vehicle Code sections 23152 or 23153;
        • (12) A felony violation of Penal Code section 463; and
        • (13) A violation of Penal Code section 29800.
      • (d) Ability to deny bail. Nothing in the Emergency Bail Schedule restricts the ability of the court to deny bail as authorized by article I, section 12, or 28(f)(3) of the California Constitution.
      • (e) Application of countywide bail schedule.
        • (1)The current countywide bail schedule of each superior court must remain in effect for all offenses listed in exceptions (1) through (13) of the Emergency Bail Schedule, including any count-specific conduct enhancements and any status enhancements.
        • (2)Each superior court retains the authority to reduce the amount of bail listed in the court’s current countywide bail schedule for offenses in exceptions (1) through (13), or for any offenses not in conflict with the Emergency Bail Schedule.
      • (f) Bail for violations of post-conviction supervision.
        • (1)Under the statewide Emergency Bail Schedule, bail for all violations of misdemeanor probation, whether the arrest is with or without a bench warrant, must be set at $0.
        • (2) Bail for all violations of felony probation, parole, post-release community supervision, or mandatory supervision, must be set in accord with the statewide Emergency Bail Schedule, or for the bail amount in the court’s countywide schedule of bail for charges of conviction listed in exceptions (1) through (13), including any enhancements.
      • (g) Sunset of rule. This rule will remain in effect until 90 days after the Governor declares that the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted, or until amended or repealed by the Judicial Council.
    • Emergency rule 5. Personal appearance waivers of defendants during health emergency
      • (a) Application. Notwithstanding any other law, including Penal Code sections 865 and 977, this rule applies to all criminal proceedings except cases alleging murder with special circumstances and cases in which the defendant is currently incarcerated in state prison, as governed by Penal Code section 977.2.
      • (b) Types of personal appearance waivers.
        • (1) With the consent of the defendant, the court must allow a defendant to waive his or her personal appearance and to appear remotely, either through video or telephonic appearance, when the technology is available.
        • (2) With the consent of the defendant, the court must allow a defendant to waive his or her appearance and permit counsel to appear on his or her behalf. The court must accept a defendant’s waiver of appearance or personal appearance when:
          • (A) Counsel for the defendant makes an on the record oral representation that counsel has fully discussed the waiver and its implications with the defendant and the defendant has authorized counsel to proceed as counsel represents to the court;
          • (B) Electronic communication from the defendant as confirmed by defendant’s counsel; or
          • (C) Any other means that ensures the validity of the defendant’s waiver.
      • (c) Consent by the defendant
        • (1) For purposes of arraignment and entry of a not guilty plea, consent means a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of the right to appear personally in court. Counsel for the defendant must state on the record at each applicable hearing that counsel is proceeding with the defendant’s consent.
        • (2) For purposes of waiving time for a preliminary hearing, consent also means a 16 knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of the right to hold a preliminary hearing within required time limits specified either in Penal Code section 859b or under emergency orders issued by the Chief Justice and Chair of the Judicial Council.
        • (3)The court must accept defense counsel’s representation that the defendant understands and agrees with waiving any right to appear unless the court has specific concerns in a particular matter about the validity of the waiver.
      • (d) Appearance through counsel
        • (1) When counsel appears on behalf of a defendant, courts must allow counsel to do any of the following:
          • (A) Waive reading and advisement of rights for arraignment.
          • (B) Enter a plea of not guilty.
          • (C) Waive time for the preliminary hearing.
        • (2) For appearances by counsel, including where the defendant is either appearing remotely or has waived his or her appearance and or counsel is appearing by remote access, counsel must confirm to the court at each hearing that the appearance by counsel is made with the consent of the defendant.
      • (e)Conduct of remote hearings
        • (1) With the defendant’s consent, a defendant may appear remotely for any pretrial criminal proceeding.
        • (2) Where a defendant appears remotely, counsel may not be required to be personally present with the defendant for any portion of the criminal proceeding provided that the audio and/or video conferencing system or other technology allows for private communication between the defendant and his or her counsel. Any private communication is confidential and privileged under Evidence Code section 952.
      • (f) Sunset of rule. This rule will remain in effect until 90 days after the Governor declares that the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted, or until amended or 16 repealed by the Judicial Council.
  • Judicial Council Meeting: April 6, 2020
  • March 30 Press Release
  • March 30 order
    • Local courts may:
      • Extend the time period provided in section 859b of the Penal Code for the holding of a preliminary examination and the defendant’s right to release from 10 court days to not more than 30 court days.
      • Extend the time period provided in section 825 of the Penal Code within which a defendant charged with a felony offense must be taken before a magistrate from 48 hours to not more than seven days
      • Extend the time period provided in section 1382 of the Penal Code for the holding of a criminal trial by no more than 60 days from the last date on which the statutory deadline otherwise would have expired
      • Extend the time periods provided in sections 583.310 and 583.320 of the Code of Civil Procedure to bring an action to trial by no more than 60 days from the last date on which the statutory deadline otherwise would have expired
      • Order 60-day continuances of trials
  • March 28, 2020 Judicial Council Meeting
  • March 27, 2020 statement
  • March 23, 2020 statement
  • March 23, 2020 order
    • All jury trials are suspended and continued for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of this order. Courts may conduct such a trial at an earlier date, upon a finding of good cause shown or through the use of remote technology, when appropriate.
    • The time period provided in Penal Code section 1382 for the holding of a criminal trial is extended for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of this order. Courts may conduct such a trial at an earlier date, upon a finding of good cause shown or through the use of remote technology, when appropriate.
    • All superior courts are authorized under rule 10.613(i) of the California Rules of Court to adopt any proposed rules or rule amendment that is intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to take effect immediately, without advance circulation for 45 days of public comment. A court adopting any such rule change must provide a copy to Judicial Council staff and post notice of the change prominently on the court’s website, along with the effective date of the new or Page 3 of 3 amended rule. Additionally, the court must immediately distribute the new or amended rule as set forth in rule 10.613(g)(2). No litigant’s substantive rights shall be prejudiced for failing to comply with the requirements of a new or amended rule until at least 20 days after the rule change has been distributed.
  • March 20, 2020 statement
  1. Revise, on an emergency basis, the countywide bail schedule to lower bail amounts significantly for the duration of the coronavirus emergency, including lowering the bail amount to $0 for many lower level offenses – for all misdemeanors except for those listed in Penal Code section 1270.1 and for lower-level felonies. This will result in fewer individuals in county jails thus alleviating some of the pressures for arraignments within 48 hours and preliminary hearings within 10 days.
  2. In setting an adult or juvenile defendant’s conditions of custody, including the length, eligibility for alternative sentencing, and surrender date, the court should consider defendant’s existing health conditions, and any conditions existing at defendant’s anticipated place of confinement that could affect the defendant’s health, the health of other detainees, or the health of personnel staffing the anticipated place of confinement.
  3. With the assistance of justice partners, identify those persons currently in county jail or juvenile hall custody who have less than 60 days remaining on their jail sentence for the purpose of modifying their sentences to permit early release of such persons with or without supervision or to community-based organizations for treatment.
  4. With the assistance of justice partners, calendar hearings for youth returning to court supervision from Department of Juvenile Justice following parole consideration for a Welf. & Inst. Code, §1766 hearing.
  5. With the assistance of justice partners, determine the nature of supervision violations that will warrant “flash incarceration,” for the purpose of drastically reducing or eliminating the use of such an intermediate sanction during the current health crisis.
  6. Prioritize arraignments and preliminary hearings for in-custody defendants, and the issuance of restraining orders.
  7. Prioritize juvenile dependency detention hearings to ensure they are held within the time required by state and federal law.
  8. For routine or non-critical criminal matters, allow liberal use of telephonic or video appearance by counsel and the defendant, and appearance by counsel by use of waivers authorized by Penal Code, § 977. Written waivers without being obtained in open court have been approved if the waiver is in substantial compliance with language specified in section 977, subdivision (b)(1). (People v. Edwards (1991) 54 Cal.3d 787, 811; People v. Robertson (1989) 48 Cal.3d 18, 62.)

CPDA letter to Chief Justice

CDAA Letter to Presiding Judges

File:CDAA Letter to Presiding Judges 032120 NEO.pdf

Governor's Orders

President's Orders

Bail motion

Speedy trial right cases

CDCR

Board of Parole Hearings

  • Observers will not be permitted at parole consideration hearings.
  • Victims and victims’ next of kin who choose to participate in parole consideration hearings must appear for the hearing by telephone or videoconference.
  • Representatives from the prosecuting agency who choose to participate in parole consideration hearings must appear for the hearing by telephone or videoconference.

Visiting

County-specific information

Red text indicates court closed, with exception of essential and emergency hearings. Blue text indicates some limited response, such as continuing time-waived matters. Green text indicates court has not initiated any substantial action other than suggesting staying away. Black is usually unknown.

If information isn't linked and isn't indented, the information source is not a press release or website, but instead local attorneys informing me.

Alameda County

  • April 3 GC68115 order
    • Hold court anywhere in the county for April 6 to May 1.
    • April 6 to May 1 are holidays for filing.
  • March 27 Press Release
    • Video arraignment for Dept. 105 on March 27 and April 1
  • March 25 Press Releaes
  • March 25 General Order
    • Cite and release procedures
  • Criminal Closure FAQ
    • All time waiver appearances, whether misdemeanor or felony, in or out of custody are being reset to a date at least 8 weeks from the currently set calendar date.
    • The court is NOT sending notices.
    • Check Odyssey for new dates.
    • Cite and releases are 8 weeks out.
    • OR calendar in Oakland to request OR.
    • PX calendar in Dept 709 at Dublin.
    • Telephonic appearances allowed for criminal matters.
    • Full court operations expected to resume after April 8.
  • March 19 Press Release
    • 247 people released from jail, credit for time served.
    • Four arraignment courts at Oakland and Dublin on Tuesday and Fridays.
  • March 17 Press Release
  • March 16 Press Release
    • Courts closed from March 17 to April 7
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • March 17 to April 3 are holidays for filing.
    • March 17 to April 3 are holidays for arraignment under Penal Code 825.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for March 17 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PX to 15 court days for March 17 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial 30 more days for March 17 to April 3.
  • Press Release
  • Alameda Court COVID-19 website
    • "The Court is working with its justice partners to develop an in-custody arraignment calendar within the limitations of our COVID-19-related staffing and health and safety constraints. The Court initially plans to attempt to conduct in-custody arraignments only (no out-of-custody arraignments), on Tuesdays and Fridays."
    • "The first in-custody arraignment calendars will take place on Friday, March 20, 2020. East and South County misdemeanors will be heard in Dept. 702 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin, while felonies will be heard in Dept. 705. North County misdemeanors will be heard in Dept. 111 at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland; felonies will be heard in Dept. 112."
    • "Given public health directives regarding crowd size and social distancing, and given that our courthouses are currently closed to the public, any arraignments heard pursuant to the above will not be open to the public."
    • "The Court will continue to accept Criminal filings made through the Odyssey E-Filing System. Court staff will process filings on a priority basis, and as staffing permits; filers should anticipate that there may be delays."
  • Alameda County Public Health Department
  • Shelter-in-place order under HSC120295 from March 17 to April 7
  • FAQ for Shelter-in-Place order

Alpine County

  • March 17 Press Release
    • All scheduled court hearings, with the exception of criminal matters that have statutory time constraints, will be rescheduled to May 2020 by minute order.
    • The court encourages a reduction in all non-essential hearings, the use of court-call in lieu of personal appearances, and any other measures to minimize the risks associated with personal contact during the current national health crisis.

Amador County

Butte County

  • March 27 Presiding Judge's Order
    • Courthouse still closed to public.
    • Out-of-custody cases will continued to past May 18, 2020. Court will re-notice and post new dates on website.
    • One Felony/Misdemeanor calendar on Wednesday and Thursday.
      • In-custody cases will be called on same date. In-custodies will appear by video. Public Defender to specially appear on all in-custodies.
      • Attorneys can appear 977 to enter guilty plea on misdemeanor.
      • Evidentiary hearings in afternoon for in-custody cases without time waiver.
    • In-custody no-time-waiver PXes are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at 1:30 p.m., or Friday at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
    • Only in-custody no-time-waiver PXes will be heard between March 30 and June 1.
    • Parole/PRCS is Friday at 10:30 a.m. Defendants will appear by video.
    • BTA (Out-of-custody Friday morning arraignments) between March 30, and May 18 are continued to a Friday after May 18.
  • March 23 GC68115 order
    • March 23 to March 27 are holidays for filing.
    • March 23 to March 27 are holidays for arraignment under PC825.
    • Extends time for arraignment under PC825 to 7 days for March 23 to April 21.
    • Extends time for PX under PC859b to 15 court days for March 23 to April 21
  • General Order implementing above order
    • Video conferencing for in-custody arraignment.
    • Courthouse closed to public
  • Court website as of March 22
    • All existing Court Calendars will be rescheduled by the Court to a future date with the exception of In-Custody Criminal Arraignments.
    • Emergency Orders received by the Court will be handed on an ex-parte basis.
  • March 22 Press Release
    • No calendars between March 23 and March 27
  • March 18 GC68115 order
  • Implementation Order of above order
  • Butte County Sheriff Press Release
    • Jail visits suspended because of COVID-19
    • Supposedly attorney visits will be allowed
  • Butte County Public Health Department

Calaveras County

Colusa County

Contra Costa County

  • March 30 GC68115 order
    • April 1 to April 28 are holidays for filing.
    • April 1 to April 28 are holidays for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for April 1 to April 28.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for April 1 to April 28.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for April 1 to April 28.
  • March 27 Press Release
    • Courts closed to April 30.
    • For emergency matters, "Criminal filings will be accepted via a drop box placed at the Main Street entrance of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez."
  • Emergency Local Rules
    • Court will accept filings at dropbox for:
      • Criminal Complaints and Informations in cases where Preliminary Hearings have already been held;
      • Emergency motions in criminal cases. Emergency motions are defined as motions that seek immediate relief that cannot wait until the Court reopens on May 1, 2020, or later, e.g., a motion for release of a defendant when there is no stipulation to release, but there has been a change in circumstances since the last bail hearing other than the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; and requests for sentencing in criminal cases when the sentencing is reasonably likely to result in the defendant being released from custody.
    • Court will not file non-emergency motions, such as 1538.5s, 995s, and motions to serve.
    • If any party requests a hearing, all parties shall specify whether they request a live hearing in court, or whether they stipulate to a virtual hearing through videoconferencing, with the judge, all attorneys, and the defendant or minor if he or she is out of custody participating remotely by videoconference.
    • If the defendant is in custody in a criminal case, the defendant’s attorney may waive his or her client’s appearance when authorized by Penal Code section 977 so that the hearing may be held by videoconference
  • March 13 Press Release
    • Court closed from March 16 to April 1.
    • Jurors still need to report.
    • "If you have a hearing scheduled during this period, it will be reset to a later date. Notice of the new hearing date will be mailed to you or your attorney."
    • "Any in custody arraignments will be handled in Martinez, but all courthouses are closed to the public."
  • March 13 GC68115 order
    • March 16 to April 1 are holidays for filing
    • March 16 to April 1 are holidays for arraignment
    • Extend PXes to 15 court days
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 20 days.
  • Presiding Judge's Implementation Order
    • "The single department the Court now maintains to handle urgent issues such as in-custody arraignments shall also handle any felony or misdemeanor cases in which sentencing must occur during the period of closure."
  • Contra Costa County Health Services
  • Health Officer's Shelter-in-Place order enforceable under HSC120295
  • FAQs from County about Shelter-in-Place

Del Norte County

  • March 24 Press Release
    • All jury trials suspended until May 26.
  • Interim Order 2020-02
    • Counsel may appear 977.
    • Jury trials between March 23 and May 22 are vacated.
    • Trial setting conference after April 17.
    • All out-of-custody no-time waiver cases between March 20 and April 17 are as scheduled, but 977 encouraged.
    • All time-waived cases between March 20 and April 17 are reset for after April 17.
    • No walk-in add-ons between March 20 and April 17.
  • March 20 GC68115 order
    • Hearings can be anywhere in the county.
    • March 20 to April 17 are holidays for filing
    • March 20 to April 17 are holidays for arraignment
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes up to 15 court days
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days.
  • Standing Order 2020-01
    • Out-of-custody misdemeanor arraignments extended 60 days
    • March 26
      • All new critical in-custody criminal matters with no time waivers are on March 26, 1:10 p.m. in Department 3.
      • Department two will be open to hear critical in-custody criminal preliminary hearings without a time waiver starting at 9 a.m. on March 26.
    • March 28
      • All new critical in-custody criminal matters with no time waivers are on March 27, 10:10 p.m. in Department 3.
  • Court COVID-19 website
  • March 19 Press Release
    • Courts closed March 20 to April 1
    • All Civil and Criminal Trials are suspended through April 17, 2020.
    • Court reopens April 2nd for emergency and essential matters
    • No jurors until April 20
  • Del Norte County Public Health

El Dorado County

Fresno County

Glenn County

Humboldt County

Imperial County

  • Local Rule 4.1.26
    • It is the responsibility of the District Attorney’s Office and/or the Victim Witness Program to facilitate the remote attendance and participation of a victim(s) upon their request, pursuant to Article I, Section 28(b) of the California Constitution or any other provision of law, by informing and assisting the victim(s) with accessing the remote hearings on their own or by providing access to the remote hearing through the District Attorney’s Office and/or the Victim Witness Program. However, if the victim(s) is proffered by the Defense, it shall be the responsibility of Defense counsel to facilitate the remote appearance of the victim(s).
  • Local Rule 4.1.25
    • All parties are required to make any necessary arrangements for any proffered witness to appear remotely.
    • In any hearing (including, but not limited to, preliminary hearings), any party intending to offer documentary evidence or use documents in any manner (such as to refresh recollection) shall serve the opposing party and lodge a copy with the court electronically no later than three (3) court days before the scheduled hearing. It is the responsibility of the party offering the documentary evidence to provide a copy in advance of the hearing to any witnesses appearing remotely who will be questioned about that evidence.
  • Local Rule 4.1.23
    • The Court will accept Penal Code § 977 waivers executed out of court for a defendant with a pending criminal matter for an appearance during any time period during which the Court is exercising emergency powers under Government Code § 68115 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The court will accept these waivers executed out of court when presented with an in-court statement from counsel authenticating the defendant’s signature and that their client fully understands the effect of the waiver.
  • General Order 2020-04
  • File:GeneralOrder2020-03.pdf
  • April 3 Press Release
    • Effective April 6, all hearings will be by remote technology.
    • Brawley and Winterhaven are closed to public.
  • March 30 Press Release
    • Court will re-open on April 1 for felonies and in-custody misdemeanors only.
    • Judges will be in Departments 7 and 9.
    • Defendants and defense attorneys will be in Departments 2 and 5 and appear by video.
    • DAs will be in their office.
    • The Court will accept Penal Code § 977 waivers executed out of court for a defendant with a pending criminal matter for an appearance during any time period during which the Court is exercising emergency powers under Government Code § 68115 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The court will accept these waivers executed out of court when presented with an in-court statement from counsel authenticating the defendant’s signature and that their client fully understands the effect of the waiver.
  • General Order 2020-2
    • Only parties, lawyers, and witnesses allowed in courthouses from April 1 to April 17.
  • March 19 Press Release
    • Courts will close March 23 and re-open April 1.
  • Presiding Judge's General Order
  • March 18 GC68115 order
  • County subject to Health Officer order enforceable under HSC120295.
  • March 17 Press Release

Inyo County

Kern County

Kings County

Lake County

  • March 27 GC68115 order
    • Hold court anywhere in the county for April 2 to May 1.
    • April 2 to May 1 are holidays for filing.
    • April 2 to May 1 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for April 2 to April 27.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PX to 15 court days for April 2 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial by 30 days for April 2 to May 1.
  • March 17 Press Release
    • Court closed March 18 to April 1
    • During the court closure from March 18, 2020 through April 1, 2020, the court will only handle in-custody arraignments, juvenile detentions and preliminary hearings in which time has not been waived.
    • All regular court calendars will be rescheduled. Notice of the new date will be sent to you or your attorney.
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • Hearings can be anywhere in the county.
    • March 18 to April 1 are holidays for filing
    • 7 days for arraignment for March 17 to April 1
    • Extend PXes to 15 court days for March 17 to April 1
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days for March 17 to April 1.
  • Courts closed March 18 - April 1
  • Press Release
  • Lake County Public Health Department

Lassen County

  • No county-specific GC68115 order.
  • General Order 2020-05
    • Court closed to public March 26 to May 15.
    • Department 5 matters suspended for 60 days.
    • In-custody arraignments will be by video at 1PM.
  • General Order 2020-04
  • General Order 2020-03
    • Stay of 90 days for DUI programs, batterer's program, child abuser's treatment program.
  • General Order 2020-02
    • Orders regarding Department 5.
  • General Order 2020-01
    • 977 allowed in misdemeanors
    • Out-of-custody misdmeeanors re-set for exactly 28 days later
    • Court will accept written 977s executed outside of court.
    • Jury trials between March 23 and April 30 are vacated.
    • No time-waiver jury trials between March 23 and April 30 are to appear on March 24 to re-set dates.
    • Time-waived jury trials between March 23 and April 30 are to appear on April 28 to re-set dates.
    • Time-waived misdemeanor jury trials are to be May 7 or later.
    • Time-waived felony jury trials are to be May 18 or later.
    • In-custody cases between March 23 and April 10 are by video appearance.
  • Lassen County Public Health Department

Los Angeles County

Madera County

  • March 26 Press Release
  • March 26 Rescheduling Order
  • General Order #5
    • Supersedes General Orders #1 and #2
    • Jury trials continued.
    • Time-waived hearings continued 8 weeks.
    • In-custody hearings will be by video appearance.
    • Out-of-custody arraignments continued 8 weeks.
  • General Order #3
    • Grand jury suspended.
  • March 26 GC68115 order
    • Court hearings can be anywhere in the county.
    • March 23 to April 21 are holidays for filing.
    • Extends time for PX under PC859a to 15 days for March 23 to April 21.
    • Extends time for arraignment under PC825 to 5 days.
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days for March 17 to April 17.
  • General Order #2
  • General Order #1
  • March 19 Press Release
    • All misdemeanor and felony proceedings in which a time waiver has been entered and the defendant is out of custody, that are scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 3, 2020, are continued on a rolling basis for eight weeks from the currently scheduled date.
    • All misdemeanor and felony proceedings without a time waiver and/or the defendant is in-custody have been extended 30 days pursuant to an Order authorized by the Chief Justice.
    • All out-of-custody criminal arraignments that are scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 3, 2020, are continued on a rolling basis for eight weeks from the currently scheduled date.
    • All specialty court reviews, including drug court, behavioral health court and veterans’ court that are scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 3, 2020, are continued on a rolling basis for eight weeks from the currently scheduled date.
    • All hearings in the appellate department that are scheduled between March 17, 2020 and April 3, 2020, are continued on a rolling basis for eight weeks from the currently scheduled date.
  • 8-Week Rescheduling Calendar
  • March 16 Press Releae
  • March 13 Press release
  • Madera County Public Health Department
  • Madera County Health Officer's Order enforceable under HSC120295
  • FAQ about Health Officer's Order

Marin County

Mariposa County

Mendocino County

  • April 2 GC68115 order
    • No criminal related orders.
  • Presiding Judge's March 16 order
    • 977 allowed for out-of-custodies from March 17 to April 3
    • Jury trials for March 23, March 25, and March 30 vacated
    • No time waiver jury trial for March 23 re-set to April 13 or later.
    • No time waiver jury trial for March 25 re-set to April 23 or later.
    • Time-waived misdemeanor trial for March 23 or 30 March 30 re-set to May 11 or later.
    • Time-waived jury trial for March 25 re-set to May 20 or later.
    • In-custody hearings from March 17 to April 3 will be by video appearance.
    • No-time waiver out-of-custody hearings from March 17 to April 3 shall go forward as scheduled, but continuances encouraged.
    • Time-waiver hearings shall be re-set for exactly 28 days later.
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • 7 days for arraignment for March 17 to April 3
    • 15 court days for PX for March 17 to April 3
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days for March 23 to April 6.
  • Mendocino County Public Health Division
  • [https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=33277 County Health Officer's Shelter-in-Place order enforceable under HSC120295

Merced County

Modoc County

  • April 3 GC68115 order
    • March 30 to April 28 are holidays for filing.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 court days for March 30 to April 28.
    • Extends time under 859b for PXes to 15 court days for March 30 to April 28.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for March 30 to April 28.
  • March 17 Presiding Judge's Order
    • Clients can appear 977 in misdemeanors from March 17 to April 13
    • Written 977 waivers can be executed out of court from March 17 to April 13
    • Jury trials before April 13 are vacated
  • Court website
  • Modoc County Public Health's Facebook

Mono County

Monterey County

Napa County

  • May 8 GC68115 order
    • Hold court anywhere in the county for April 13 to May 1.
    • April 13 to May 1 for filing.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for April 13 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for April 13 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for April 13 to May 1.
  • Court Closure Outline
    • Court closed March 18 to April 10
    • All time-waived misdemeanor trials currently set beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 through and including Monday, April 6, 2020 will be continued for eight weeks from the currently scheduled trial dates. Notice will be sent to the parties and counsel.
    • All time-waived felony out-of-custody trials currently set beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 through and including Monday, April 6, 2020 will be continued for eight weeks from the currently scheduled trial dates. Notice will be sent to the parties and counsel.
    • For no-time waiver jury trials, new trial dates will be set at the currently scheduled Readiness Conferences.
    • The Court will make every effort to hear in-custody arraignments each day at 1:30 or 2:30 pm. Similarly, the Court will make every effort to conduct no-time waiver preliminary hearings, within time. Other no-time waiver hearings will be heard as scheduled.
    • The court will make every effort to hear sentencings for in-custody defendants (even those who have previously entered a time waiver) as scheduled.
    • Arraignments for defendants who are out of custody currently set beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through and including Friday, April 10, 2020will be continued eight weeks. Notice will be sent to the parties and counsel.
    • If a time waiver has previously been entered, all matters set in Department 1, beginning March 18, 2020 through and including April 10, 2020, will be continued eight weeks. The clerk will send notice to the parties and counsel.
    • All matters set in Department 3 at 9:30 am and 2:00 beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through and including Friday April 10, 2020, will be continued eight weeks. The clerk will send notice to the parties and counsel. This includes subsequent settlement conferences and jurisdictional transfers.
    • All matters set in Department 3 at 10:00 am beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 through and including Monday April 6, 2020, will be continued eight weeks. Notice will be sent to the parties and counsel.
    • The Drug Court calendar set for Friday, March 27 will be continued to Friday April 17, 2020 at 10:30 am. The clerk will send notice to the parties and counsel.
    • The Mental Health Court calendar scheduled for April 3, 2020 will be continued to Thursday, April 30, 2020. The clerk will send notice to the parties and counsel.
  • GC68115 order
    • March 18 to April 10 are holidays for filing
    • March 18 to April 10 are holidays for arraignment
    • 7 days for arraignment from March 18 to April 10
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for March 18 to April 10
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days for March 18 to April 10
  • March 17 Press Release
  • March 16 Proposed new Local Rules
  • Local Orders
  • Napa County Public Health Division
  • Napa County Health Officer's Shelter-at-Home Order enforceable under HSC120295
  • Amendment to Shelter-at-Home Order
  • FAQ for Shelter-at-Home order

Nevada County

Orange County

Placer County

Plumas County

  • March 21 Public Notice
    • Court limited to felony and misdemeanor in-custody arraignment
    • No jury trials through April 30, 2020
  • March 20 GC68115 order
    • March 24 to April 21 are holidays for filing
    • March 24 to April 21 are holidays for arraignment
    • 7 days for arraignment from March 24 to April 21
    • Extend PXes to 15 court days from March 24 to April 21
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials 30 days for March 24 to April 21
  • Plumas County Public Health Agency

Riverside County

  • April 1 GC68115 order
    • Hold court anywhere in the county for March 26 to April 24.
    • April 6 to April 24 are holidays for filing.
    • April 6 to April 24 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 court days for April 6 to April 24.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for April 17 to April 24.
  • March 23 GC68115 order
    • March 23 to April 3 are holidays for arraignment.
  • March 20 GC68115 order
    • March 27 to April 3 are holidays for filing.
  • March 19 Press Release
    • Courts closed March 20 to April 3
    • Banning Closed
    • Corona Closed
    • Hemet Closed
    • Historic Closed
    • Moreno Valley Closed
    • Palm Springs Closed
    • Riverside Family Closed
    • Temecula Closed
    • Blythe Limited
    • Hall of Justice Limited
    • Larson Limited
    • Riverside Juvenile Limited
    • Southwest Limited
    • Southwest Juvenile Limited
  • March 17 Press Release
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • March 17 to March 26 are holidays for filing.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PX to 15 court days for March 17 to April 16.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial by 14 days for March 17 to April 16.
  • Court COVID-19 website
  • Riverside County Public Health Department

Sacramento County

San Benito County

  • No county-specific GC68115 order
  • March 19 Press Release
    • From March 19 to May 4, the following hearings continued:
      • Out of Custody Criminal Arraignments, excluding felony arraignments on information.
      • Out of Custody Misdemeanor Pre-Trial Conferences.
      • Truancy Court.
      • Drug Court.
      • Behavioral Health Court.
      • Traffic Arraignments.
      • Criminal Fine Reviews.
  • Court's COVID-19 website

San Bernardino County

San Diego County

San Francisco

  • March 24 General Order
  • March 19 GC68115 order
    • March 18 to April 15 are holidays for filing.
  • March 19 General Order
  • March 17 Press Release
  • March 16 GC68115 order
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment by 7 days for March 16 to April 15.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PX by 15 court days for March 16 to April 15.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial by 30 days for March 16 to April 15.
  • March 16 General Order
  • March 16 Press Release
    • All jury trials currently set between Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, April 15, 2020, will be continued on a rolling basis for 30 days from the currently scheduled trial date.
    • All preliminary examinations set between Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, April 15, 2020, will be continued on a rolling basis for 30 days.
    • All arraignments will be heard within seven (7) days.
    • The Clerk’s Office will be closed during the period of Tuesday, March 17, through Wednesday, April 15, 2020. A drop box is available for motions near Room 103 of the Hall of Justice and will be checked throughout each court day.
  • Shelter-in-place order under HSC120295
  • Website as of March 17
    • Court closed from March 17 to April 15
  • Website as of March 16
    • Criminal trials continued
    • Preliminary hearings continued
    • Arraignments within 7 days

San Joaquin County

San Luis Obispo County

San Mateo County

Santa Barbara County

Santa Clara County

Santa Cruz County

Shasta County

Sierra County

    • April 6 to May 2 are holidays for filing.
    • April 6 to May 2 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment for April 6 to May 2.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for April 6 to May 2.
  • March 18 GC68115 order
    • March 18 to April 3 are holidays for filing.
    • March 18 to April 3 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for March 18 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for March 18 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for March 18 to April 3.
  • March 18 Press release
    • Court closed March 18 to April 3.
  • Press release
  • Sierra County Public Health

Siskiyou County

  • Presiding Judge's Order
    • Court is closed Thursday and Fridays.
    • Counsel can appear 977 March 23 to April 17.
    • 977 waiver can be executed out of court.
    • In-custody arraignments are Monday at 1:30 p.m.
    • Jury trials between March 23 and April 17 are vacated.
    • In-custody felonies are Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and out-of-custody felonies are Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
    • Time-waived felonies are continued 4 weeks.
    • Misdemeanor cases are re-calendared.
  • March 19 GC68115 order
    • March 23 to April 17 are holidays for filing.
    • March 23 to April 17 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for March 23 to April 17.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXs to 15 court days for March 23 to April 17.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for March 23 to April 17.
  • General Order implementing above
  • Siskiyou Public Health Department

Solano County

  • April 3 GC68115 order
    • April 1 to May 1 are holidays for filing.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 5 days for April 6 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial by 30 days for April 6 to May 1.
  • March 17 GC68115 order
    • 10 court days from March 17 are holidays for filing.
    • March 17 to April 5 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PX to 15 days for 1 month from March 17.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trial by 30 days for March 17 to April 5.
  • Court website as of March 19
    • Filings in Fairfield and Vallejo courthouses will be accepted via the drop-box. The clerk’s office will not be open for in-person processing.
    • All time waived felony and misdemeanor arraignments, hearings, and court appearances in both the Vallejo and Fairfield courthouses, that are set between March 20, 2020, and April 5, 2020, are continued 60 days from their current date unless you have been otherwise notified.
    • All no time waived felony and misdemeanor hearings and court appearances in both the Vallejo and Fairfield courthouses, that are set between March 20, 2020, and April 5, 2020, will be heard in the Fairfield courthouse on the date presently set.
  • Presiding Judge's order
  • Solano County Public Health Department
  • Solano County Health Officer Shelter-at-Home Order enforceable under HSC120295

Sonoma County

Stanislaus County

Sutter County

  • March 20 GC68115 order
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for March 23 to April 10.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for March 23 to April 10.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for March 23 to April 10.
  • March 20 Press Release
    • Court closed March 20 to April 10
    • Open for search warrants (electronic submission accessible 24 hours)
    • Open for all in-custody cases
    • Open for all felony cases
      • Attorneys representing defendants may appear 977 with written waivers executed out of court, and for matters currently scheduled between March 23, 2O2O and April 10,2020 are encouraged to stipulate to continuances of four weeks or more for defendants waiving time.
    • Open for bail reviews
    • Open for writs of habeas corpus
    • Open for other criminal matters as determined by the Presiding Judge or designee.
    • All out of custody misdemeanor matters currently scheduled between March 23, 2020 and Apri! 10,2020 will be continued for exactly eight (8) weeks from the date they are currently calendared.
    • The Court authorizes the Sutter County Sheriff to extend jail turn-in dates for up to 120 days.
  • March 19 Press Relase
    • All misdemeanor and felony criminal cases will be heard as scheduled or continued by stipulation of the parties, until further order of the court. Defense attorneys are encouraged to obtain oral 977 waivers and file written 977 waivers where appropriate.
  • March 18 Press Release
  • Sutter County Emergency Management

Tehama County

  • April 2 GC68115 order
    • Hold court anywhere in the county for April 6 to May 1
    • April 6 to May 1 are holidays for filing.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for April 6 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC859b to 15 court days for April 6 to May 1.
    • Extends time under PC1382 by 30 days for April 6 to May 1.
  • Rescheduled cases
  • March 18 Press Release
    • Closed March 19 to April 3
    • In-custody arraignments will be held Monday through Thursday at 1:15 p.m. and Fridays at 11a.m.
    • Felony preliminary hearings will be held Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.
    • Felony Settlement Conferences/Trial Confirmations will be held on Fridays at 9:00 a.m.
  • March 19 GC68115 order
    • March 19 to April 3 are holidays for filing.
    • March 19 to April 3 are holidays under PC825 for arraignment.
    • Extends time under PC825 for arraignment to 7 days for March 19 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC859b for PXes to 15 court days for March 19 to April 3.
    • Extends time under PC1382 for jury trials by 30 days for March 19 to April 3.
  • General Order implementing above
  • Press release
  • Tehama County Health Services Agency

Trinity County

Tulare County

Tuolumne County

Ventura County

Yolo County

Yuba County

Federal District Courts and California appellate courts

California Supreme Court

First District Court of Appeal

Second District Court of Appeal

Third District Court of Appeal

Fourth District Court of Appeal

Fifth District Court of Appeal

Sixth District Court of Appeal

  • April 9 Statewide Order Regarding Rule 8.66
  • March 18 GC68115 order
  • Order by Presiding Justice
  • Misc Order 20-001
    • Oral arguments are suspended
  • Court website
    • "the building where the Sixth District Court of Appeal is located has closed to the public. Therefore, the court is not able to open the Clerk’s Office for regular business."
    • "The court will continue to receive correspondence and filings electronically."
    • "Access to the court by phone will be limited."
    • " For all paper filings including emergency writs, if you are unable to file your papers electronically, you may go to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, located at 191 N. First Street and deposit your papers in the drop box located at the right side of the first-floor lobby. "

Southern District of California

Central District of California

Northern District of California

Eastern District of California

  • General Order 612
    • In the court’s criminal matters all initial appearances, arraignments and other essential proceedings will continue to be held before the duty Magistrate Judges, unless the parties agree to continue them; to the full extent possible matters that are maintained on calendar shall be conducted by telephone or video conference.
    • In criminal cases before the District Judges, the assigned District Judge may continue matters to a date after May 1, 2020, excluding time under the Speedy Trial Act with reference to the court’s prior General Order 611 issued on March 17, 2020, with additional findings to support the exclusion in the Judge’s discretion; if any criminal matters are maintained on calendar, to the full extent possible they shall be conducted by telephone or video conference.
    • Any Judge may order case-by-case exceptions to any of the above numbered provisions for non-jury court matters at the discretion of that Judge or upon the request of counsel, after consultation with counsel.
  • Additional Guidance on General Order 612
    • "a member of the media may enter courthouse property upon presenting bonafide press credentials to court security and identifying a court proceeding that person will attend."
  • General Order 611
  • General Order 610

Government Code 68115

(a) When war, an act of terrorism, public unrest or calamity, epidemic, natural disaster, or other substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel or the public, or the danger thereof, the destruction of or danger to the building appointed for holding the court, a large influx of criminal cases resulting from a large number of arrests within a short period of time, or a condition that leads to a state of emergency being proclaimed by the President of the United States or by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625, threatens the orderly operation of a superior court location or locations within a county or renders presence in, or access to, an affected court facility or facilities unsafe, the presiding judge may request and the Chairperson of the Judicial Council may, notwithstanding any other law, by order authorize the court to do one or more of the following:

(1) Hold sessions anywhere within the county.

(2) Transfer civil cases pending trial in the court to a superior court in another county. A transfer shall not be made pursuant to this paragraph except as follows:

(A) With the consent of all parties to the case, a pending civil case may be transferred to a superior court in any county.

(B) Upon a finding by the court that extreme or undue hardship would result unless the case is transferred for trial, a pending civil case may be transferred to any superior court in an adjacent county or to any superior court within 100 miles of the border of the county in which the court impacted by the emergency is situated. In addition to the foregoing, if a court is located within an area identified to be within the boundary of a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625, a pending civil case may be transferred to any superior court within 100 miles of the outer boundary of the area proclaimed to be experiencing a state of emergency.

(3) Any civil case so transferred pursuant to paragraph (2) shall be integrated into the existing caseload of the court to which it is transferred pursuant to rules to be provided by the Judicial Council. This section does not affect a court’s authority under Section 69740.

(4) Declare that a date or dates on which an emergency condition, as described in this section, substantially interfered with the public’s ability to file papers in a court facility or facilities be deemed a holiday for purposes of computing the time for filing papers with the court under Sections 12 and 12a of the Code of Civil Procedure. This paragraph applies to the fewest days necessary under the circumstances of the emergency, as determined by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.

(5) Declare that a date on which an emergency condition, as described in this section, prevented the court from either (A) conducting proceedings governed by Section 825 of the Penal Code, or Section 315, 334, 631, 632, 637, or 657 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or (B) accepting the filing of petitions for purposes of Section 313 or 631 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, be deemed a holiday for purposes of computing time under those statutes. This paragraph applies to the fewest days necessary under the circumstances of the emergency, as determined by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.

(6) Extend the time periods provided in Sections 583.310 and 583.320 of the Code of Civil Procedure to bring an action to trial. The extension shall be for the fewest days necessary under the circumstances of the emergency, as determined by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.

(7) Extend the duration of any temporary restraining order that would otherwise expire because an emergency condition, as described in this section, prevented the court from conducting proceedings to determine whether a permanent order should be entered. The extension shall be for the fewest days necessary under the circumstances of the emergency, as determined by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.

(8) Within the affected county during a state of emergency resulting from a natural or human-made disaster proclaimed by the President of the United States or by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, extend the time period provided in Section 825 of the Penal Code within which a defendant charged with a felony offense shall be taken before a magistrate from 48 hours to not more than seven days, with the number of days to be designated by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council. This authorization shall be effective for 30 days unless it is extended by a new request and a new order.

(9) Extend the time period provided in Section 859b of the Penal Code for the holding of a preliminary examination from 10 court days to not more than 15 court days.

(10) Extend the time period provided in Section 1382 of the Penal Code within which the trial must be held by not more than 30 days, but the trial of a defendant in custody whose time is so extended shall be given precedence over all other cases.

(11) Within the affected area of a county during a state of emergency resulting from a natural or human-made disaster proclaimed by the President of the United States or by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, extend the time periods provided in Sections 313, 315, 632, and 637 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, with the number of days to be designated by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council. The extension of time shall be for the shortest period of time necessary under the circumstances of the emergency, but the time period shall not be extended to more than seven days. This authorization shall be effective for 30 days unless it is extended by a new request and a new order. With regard to the time periods provided in Sections 632 and 637 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, this paragraph applies only if the minor has been charged with a felony.

(12) Within the affected county during a state of emergency resulting from a natural or human-made disaster proclaimed by the President of the United States or by the Governor pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, extend the time period provided in Sections 334 and 657 of the Welfare and Institutions Code within which a hearing on a juvenile court petition shall be held by not more than 15 days, with the number of days to be designated by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council. This authorization shall be effective for 30 days unless it is extended by a new request and a new order. With regard to the time periods provided in Section 657 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, this paragraph applies only if the minor has been charged with a felony.

(b) The limitations on extensions of time provided for in subdivision (a) set forth the maximum respective extensions allowable from the time when the Chairperson of the Judicial Council makes a determination that circumstances warranting relief under this section exist. The limitations on extensions of time do not preclude the Chairperson of the Judicial Council, at the request of a presiding judge, from granting further extensions, up to the maximum permitted under the relevant paragraph, upon making a renewed determination that circumstances warranting relief under this section continue to exist.