LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Changes to state law that went into effect on Friday will allow some criminal case proceedings in the Lake County Superior Court to continue to be attended virtually.
Court Executive Office Krista LeVier said Friday that amendments and additions to the Penal Code were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.
The new legislation allows for remote appearances in many criminal proceedings. LeVier said the legislation applies to Penal Code sections 977 and 977.3.
As a result, LeVier said remote appearances will continue to be allowed on the criminal law and motion calendars when allowed under the law.
Preliminary hearings, felony sentencings, settlement conferences and trials continue to require in-person appearances, LeVier said.
She said counsel is required to appear in-person with any client who intends to appear in-person, as there is no means for private communication between the defendant and counsel prior to and during the proceedings.
Additional information can be found on the Lake County Superior Court website.