- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Lake County Superior Court cancels trials until the end of December, moves more hearings online
The order, issued by Presiding Judge Michael Lunas, cited Lake County moving into the purple tier – the most restrictive on the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy – as well as the “imminent regional stay-at-home order,” which is expected in the coming weeks should regional intensive care capacity drop below 15 percent.
Late last week, a similar action was taken in Mendocino County, where Presiding Superior Court Judge Ann Moorman issued an order on Dec. 4 saying that the court had received emergency relief from the California Supreme Court chief justice and was vacating all trials from Dec. 7 to Jan. 8. Moorman also cited the rise in cases and the governor’s stay-home order.
On Monday, Lake County’s COVID-19 cases had risen to 1,092, an increase of 70 cases since Lake County Public Health last updated the statistics on Friday.
“The court is in constant contact with Public Health Officer, Dr. Gary Pace in an effort to continue to provide necessary and essential services to court users while protecting the health of all who come before or work within the court. In response to public health orders the court has limited the number of cases on calendar, requires social distancing in court facilities, requires face coverings and will continue to handle matters via remote means whenever possible,” the Lake County Superior Court order explained.
The order instituted changes beginning immediately, including that no jury trials will take place before Dec. 30. Those who have received a jury summons for any date prior to Dec. 30 do not need to appear.
Since trials were reinstituted earlier this year, the courts had shifted jury selection and trials to the Phil Lewis Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport and away from the cramped quarters on the fourth floor of the Lake County Courthouse, as Lake County News has reported.
Under the new order, transportation of in-custody defendants from the jail to the Lake County Courthouse in downtown Lakeport also is being limited whenever possible. Court officials said they are taking that action in consultation with the Public Health officer, the Lake County Jail, the District Attorney’s Office and the public defender contract administrators.
Lunas’ order also shifts court calendars that were being handled in-person to remote appearance only, until further notice.
As of Dec. 7, the following court calendars are moving online:
– In-custody daily criminal arraignment calendar.
– Felony law and motion, Department 3, Tuesdays.
– Felony settlements, Department 4, Tuesdays.
– Misdemeanor arraignments, Department 1, Tuesdays.
– Misdemeanor disposition/setting and motions, Department 1, Mondays.
– Misdemeanor settlement conferences, Department 1, Tuesdays.
– Trial assignment, Department 4, Fridays.
Beginning on Dec. 14, the court will move all civil and family law court trials and evidentiary hearings to remote appearance only until further notice.
On Dec. 21, the court will shift the following calendars to remote appearance until further notice:
– Unlawful detainer hearings and trials, Mondays at 8:30 a.m.
– Small claims trials, Mondays at 9 a.m.
– Unlawful detainer and small claims status conferences, Mondays at 11 a.m.
– Traffic arraignments, Mondays at 1:30 p.m.
– Traffic trials, Mondays at 3 p.m.
For all of the impacted calendars, attorneys and parties are to appear by phone or video, the court said.
All other calendars currently being conducted by remote means will continue to be held remotely, court officials said.
Public counters and telephone assistance at the Court Clerk’s Office will continue to be provided between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. The court said no changes are planned yet due to the low volume of individuals seeking in-person assistance, the relatively short interactions and the ability to maintain social distancing. The court encourages the use of drop boxes, which remain available at both courthouses.
The court will continue to post updates and more information on its website, www.lake.courts.ca.gov.
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