On March 30, the Chief Justice issued a statewide order following
the March 28 meeting of the Judicial Council in response to
COVID-19. This coincides with
Executive Oder N-38-20, issued by Governor Newsom on March
27. This statewide order is another step taken by the Chief
Justice to respond to COVID-19 in a manner that balances the
constitutional due process rights of parties in both criminal and
civil proceedings with the health and safety of these parties,
the public, court staff, judicial officers, attorneys, witnesses,
jurors and others present at these proceedings.
In this statewide order, the Chief Justice authorizes the
following:
Extending the 10 court day period for holding a preliminary
hearing and the defendant’s right of release to 30 court days;
Extending the time period in which a defendant charged with a
felony offense shall be taken before a judicial officer from 48
hours to not more than 7 days;
Extending the time period for holding a criminal trial by
more than 30 days; and
Extending the time period to bring an action to trial by more
than 30 days.
Making use of available technology, when possible, to conduct
judicial proceedings and court operations remotely.
