There are now more Coronavirus cases in the United States than anywhere else in the world. The US has officially become the epicenter of the global pandemic. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has affected every aspect of life in the United States. In the last month, restaurants were closed, airplanes were grounded and stadiums emptied. To help slow the spread of the virus, everyone in the United States has been told to practice social distancing. This distancing and isolation has also affected the US criminal justice system. Courts across the country are now closed and trials have been delayed. If you are facing criminal charges and an upcoming court date, how will the Coronavirus affect your case?
How Coronavirus Has Affected the US Courts
According to ABC News, at least 30 state courts have either restricted or ended jury trials. Federal and state courts across the country have closed and trials are being delayed, sometimes for months. Many suspended in-person proceedings for the foreseeable future. Instead, some municipalities are holding their proceedings via video conferencing. Even parole hearings have come to a halt because of the close quarters they are held in. The Supreme Court took even more steps by delaying oral arguments for the month. This marked the biggest disruption to our court systems since the 1918 Spanish Flu hit the country.
How Coronavirus Has Affected Jails
The jails and prisons across the country are scrambling as well to prevent a mass outbreak. Wardens fear a viral outbreak in prisons will lead to riots. In March, the Federal Bureau of Prisons suspended all social and legal visits to the prisons. They also halted all inmate transfers for the time being. Unfortunately, this has not been enough to stop the spread of the virus in many jails and prisons. Inmates across the nation have tested positive for COVID-19. As such, many prosecutors and healthcare leaders have been pressuring officials to free as many low-level inmates as possible from local jails to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing criminal charges and a possible court trial, it is important to know how Coronavirus may affect your case. You may not be able to go to trial at this time and you may find yourself behind bars longer. It is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney at this time to determine how COVID-19 will affect your trial and case. You still have legal rights even during a global pandemic. However, there are changes you need to be aware of. Boulder criminal defense lawyer, Steven Louth can help during this time. Call his law office today at 303-442-2297 or fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a free consultation.