What’s changing in the world of California courts? We’ve reviewed all 58 superior court websites looking for important updates and have gathered them here for your information.
For a full list of all California courts and more information about their known status, visit our California courts updates page on the Support Center.
Please note: All resources shared by One Legal are intended as high-level summaries only. For a full picture of each court’s response to the challenges of COVID-19, please visit the individual court website.
Court updates this week
More often than not, updates posted to the court’s website involve specific process changes for single departments or divisions.
However, as coronavirus cases in California grow, some courts are re-implementing court holidays and extending other time period guidelines.
Glenn County
The Court updated its protocol for coming to the courthouse and available operations.
The Court has posted its proposed baseline budget for the coming fiscal year and seeks public comment.
Los Angeles County
The Presiding Judge issued a new order extending trials. High-level changes include:
- All non-jury trials, except Small Claims and Traffic trials, unless statutorily required otherwise, including in General Civil, Criminal, Mental Health, and Probate scheduled from August 10, 2020, to September 8, 2020, inclusive, are continued until further notice.
- Civil non-jury trials shall not be set to commence before November 16, 2020, except Small Claims and Traffic trials, which resumed today.
- Family Law evidentiary proceedings that may be completed within two court days may be held. Longer proceedings will not commence before November 16, 2020, without additional authorization.
- Some Unlawful Detainer non-jury trials and those non-jury trials in preference cases that can be tried in compliance with social distancing protocols may commence on or after October 5, 2020.
Mendocino County
The Court has rescinded Order of the Presiding Judge #3 and will resume imposing civil assessments on all delinquent traffic infractions.
Orange County
The Court has resumed processing pending traffic matters. Defendants will be given notice that they have 20 days to resolve their traffic matter.
Riverside County
The Court extended the time period provided for the holding of a criminal trial by 30 days.
San Bernardino County
The Court has amended its General Order to require face coverings and social distancing in all courthouses.
San Diego County
The Court has extended the time period provided for the holding of a criminal trial by 30 days.
The Court has extended the time period within which a defendant charged with a felony must be taken before a magistrate to not more than 7 days, where the statutory deadline would otherwise expire from August 13, 2020, to September 9, 2020.
Jury service has been dismissed through September 11, 2020.
San Mateo County
In an August 13 Order from the Presiding Judge, the Court ordered August 12, 2020, to September 10, 2020, inclusive to be deemed holidays for the purpose of computing time, extended time periods within which a minor must be released from custody, and extended other time periods.
Santa Clara County
Due to budget constrictions, the Court has updated its operating hours, and closed courthouses in Palo Alto and Morgan Hill until further notice.
Sonoma County
Probate Examiner Notes are now accessible via the Court’s public portal, beginning with the Probate Calendars on August 21, 2020.
Trinity County
The Court has released expectations for jury trials for the month of August.
Tulare County
The Court put out an order permitting any judge to suspend rules that prevent the use of technology to conduct proceedings and to extend time periods for the holding of a criminal trial, as ordered by the Judicial Council’s Emergency Order.
Yolo County
On August 14th, the Court will have limited capabilities as they transition to a new case management system. Electronic court filing will become mandatory in Yolo County on August 17, 2020.
Join us for a live webinar on eFiling in Yolo County, to discuss the specific requirements and key PDF skills for successful eFiling.
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