4/20/2020 Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court | California Courts Newsroom

Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court

April 10, 2020

Contact: Merrill Balassone 415-865-7740

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that threatens the lives, health and
safety of all Californians. Yet courts must also continue to provide critical services that
affect the lives of Californians, particularly its most vulnerable residents.

Through orders issued by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, and emergency Rules of
Court approved by the Judicial Council, the judicial branch seeks to give courts the
tools to confront the impact of the pandemic.

All emergency actions in criminal, civil and juvenile justice matters are listed below.

Superior courts are also authorized to adopt any proposed rules or rule
amendement intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to take
effect immediately, without advance circulation for public comment (Chief Justice
Order).

CIVIL JUSTICE ACTIONS

Evictions Suspended Emergency

The entry of defaults in eviction actions is suspended, unless Rule 1
the court finds the action is necessary to protect public health
and safety.

Judicial Foreclosures Suspended Emergency

Judicial foreclosures are suspended, unless the court finds Rule 2
the action is necessary to further public health and safety.

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4/20/2020 Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court | California Courts Newsroom

CIVIL JUSTICE ACTIONS

Remote Hearings Emergency

Courts may require hearings and court operations be Rule 3
conducted remotely via the use of technology, with the
consent of the defendant in criminal cases.

Restraining Orders Extended Emergency

Timeframes for specified temporary restraining orders are Rule 8
extended.

Civil Statute of Limitations Suspended Emergency

The statute of limitations is suspended for all civil cases. Rule 9

Civil Statute of Limitations Extended Emergency

For civil cases filed on or before April 6, six months are Rule 10
added to the statute of limitations.

Electronic Depositions Emergency

Parties may use technology to appear remotely for a Rule 11
deposition.

Emergency
Judicial Council Mandates Electronic Service of Rule 12
Documents in Most Civil Cases
The council's latest temporary emergency rule requires
attorneys to electronically serve notices and documents in all
general civil actions and family and probate proceedings.

Jury Trials Suspended Chief

All jury trials are suspended and continued for 60 Justice
days. Courts may conduct a trial at an earlier date upon Order
finding of good cause shown or through use of remote
technology when appropriate.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACTIONS

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4/20/2020 Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court | California Courts Newsroom

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACTIONS

Remote Hearings Emergency

Courts may require hearings and court operations be Rule 3
conducted remotely via the use of technology, with the
consent of the defendant in criminal cases.

Emergency Bail Schedule Emergency

A statewide emergency bail schedule sets bail at $0 for most Rule 4
misdemeanor and lower-level felonies.

Remote Technology Emergency

Criminal defendants may appear through counsel or remotely Rule 5
via technology in all pretrial criminal hearings.

Jury Trials Suspended Chief

All jury trials are suspended and continued for 60 Justice
days. Courts may conduct a trial at an earlier date upon Order
finding of good cause shown or through use of remote
technology when appropriate.

Preliminary Hearing Time Extension Chief

The time period for holding a preliminary hearing and the Justice
defendant’s right of release is extended to 30 court days. Order

Arraignment Time Extension Chief

The time period for a defendant charged with a felony offense Justice
to be taken before a judicial officer is extended up to 7 days. Order

Trial Time Extension Chief

The time period to bring an action to trial or to hold a criminal Justice
trial is extended by more than 30 days. Order

JUVENILE COURT ACTIONS

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4/20/2020 Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court | California Courts Newsroom

JUVENILE COURT ACTIONS

Prioritize Critical Hearings Emergency

Prioritize certain juvenile dependency and delinquency Rule 6 &7
hearings and orders and set a structure for remote hearings
and continuances.

Related

California Chief Justice: "No need and no right will be overlooked"

April 06, 2020

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