At Chastaine Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are doing everything we can to stay on top of the changing situation to keep everyone informed.  For up-to-the-minute information, please call our office and we can answer any questions. We are open and available during normal office hours, 9:00am to 5:00pm. We will do our best to keep updating this blog as things change.

Supreme Court

On April 29, 2020, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statewide order extending criminal trial deadlines for an additional 30 days.  This will cause jury trials that have already been continued to be continued out at least another month.

Sacramento County

On April 16, 2020, the Courts in Sacramento County extended their closure until May 15, 2020.  On April 29, the county extended their stay at home orders until May 22, 2020.

Any person, who is out of custody, with a court date before May 15 will have their court date continued without having to go to court.  The court is currently continuing court dates past May 15, and in some cases, until mid-August.

Some courtrooms are currently conducting hearings for people in custody via zoom.  Counsel for the defense has the option of appearing in person or remotely.

Jury trials were previously continued into June of 2020.  With the new Supreme Court order, it appears that they will be continued for another 30 days, till the end of June at the earliest.  The total 90-day extension will be calculated from the last date in which the trial could have initially been conducted under Penal Code 1382.

Placer County

The courts in Placer county are scheduled to fully reopen on May 11, 2020.  The county has slowly been opening back up and their shelter in place order will expire on Saturday, May 2.

Beginning on May 4, 2020, the courts will start more remote hearings using teleconferencing technology.  Their goal is to have most Departments operating by May 11.  The court will limit seating to keep social distancing guidelines.

The court will update their operational status the week of May 4.

El Dorado County

The courts in El Dorado county continue to remain closed until May 18, 2020.  The guidance is they will remain closed if Governor Newsom does not lift the current stay at home order.

Any person with a court date before May 18 and out of custody will have their court date continued.  Any court date being continued the court is setting dates past May 18 until the end of June.

The county-wide stay at home order expires April 30.  The county has chosen not to extend their stay at home orders since the statewide order supersedes the county order.