The virus has affected virtually every part of our lives.
The state of California has been dealing with coronavirus longer than nearly any other state. As one of the first states with a confirmed case of COVID-19, our state has had to adapt to changing conditions as we all work together to help contain the spread of the virus. All of California is currently under a stay-at-home order, permitted to leave only for essential work or necessities such as getting groceries.
The criminal justice system has also been affected by this pandemic. According to a criminal lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, there have been a number of changes made by local authorities in order to reduce the risk to inmates in county jails as well as protect first responders and the public.
To ensure public peace, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has moved half of its detectives to daily patrols. This move was made to supplement patrol officers, providing at least 300 more officers to be on the streets. This move was made after law enforcement realized that there was a potential for problems to arise in grocery stores and other retail locations where large crowds of shoppers may be waiting to obtain necessary food and goods — which are often in short supply.
In addition, all LAPD community police stations have closed their front desks and walkup services. Instead, they ask the public to call or use the email system (with an unique email address issued for each of the city’s 21 community stations) if a problem arises. All LAPD officers have also been issued a kit containing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and goggles.
In jails, there is serious concern that the coronavirus could spread rapidly, given the close living conditions in most jails in Los Angeles County. With less access to healthcare than the general public, inmates are particularly vulnerable. To address this issue, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is releasing inmates from its jails. Its law enforcement officers have also been directed to cite and release people whenever possible, rather than arresting them and holding them in jail. Officers are also required to seek medical clearance before booking any suspect who shows symptoms of COVID-19.
These measures have resulted in a countywide drop of average daily arrests from 300 to 60. The jail population has decreased by over 600 people. As a criminal lawyer in Los Angeles, CA can explain, these moves are essential if we hope to keep all members of the public safe — particularly in jails, where an outbreak of COVID-19 may spread rapidly.
The court system in California has also been affected by COVID-19. All civil and criminal cases will be postponed for a period of two months. L.A. County courts will be operating on a limited basis. During this time, it will hold sentencing hearings in criminal cases, arraignments, temporary restraining order hearings, preliminary hearings in criminal cases and certain other hearings. All civil and criminal trials will be suspended through late May. If you or your loved one currently have a criminal case pending, talk with your criminal lawyer in Los Angeles, CA to determine what the next steps may be.
Changing the way that the criminal justice system operates is necessary in order to protect all Californians. It may even demonstrate that this reduced level of enforcement and incarceration is feasible over the long-term.
If you have questions related to a criminal charge or about a loved one who is currently incarcerated in a Los Angeles County jail, the Chambers Law Firm can help. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free case evaluation.
