Anonymous
Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Photo: Wikipedia)
Update by Santa Barbara County Superior Courts
Presiding Judge Michael Carrozzo met with representatives of the legal community this afternoon and urged the justice system leaders to work collaboratively to reduce the number of persons required to come to court.
Judge Carrozzo is encouraging all judges to work with attorneys and litigants to postpone current and upcoming jury trials. Judges will consider these circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We will be reducing the number of jurors coming to court as significantly as possible. All attorneys are asked to work together to settle as many matters as possible and reach stipulations to continue cases, where necessary. The Court will be encouraging the use of Penal Code Section 977 waivers in criminal cases permitting defendants to appear through their attorney of record.
The Court is working collaboratively with the justice partners to implement video appearances to reduce the number of in-custody defendants being transported between the jail and the courts. The use of telephonic appearances is encouraged for all parties. The court is establishing electronic filing for criminal justice partners to reduce the number of persons required to come to the clerk’s office.
The justice partners agreed to work with the presiding judges in the arraignment courtrooms throughout the county to explore further approaches to reducing the number of persons coming to the courthouses.
These efforts are in addition to measures already being taken to reduce exposure to pathogens. Hand sanitizing dispensers have been placed throughout the courthouses and jury assembly rooms. Janitorial staff have increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning – paying particular attention to door knobs, hand railings, and work surfaces.
Jurors who are ill are encouraged to contact the Jury Division through the online portal or by calling. Persons paying fines are directed to pay over the phone or via the web-based payment system. Addresses and phone numbers are available at the court’s website https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/covid19.shtm
By an edhat reader
The courts here in Santa Barbara, despite the public emergency due to the coronavirus, continue to force senior citizens to appear for jury duty. Microphones are not being disinfected and the rooms are not well ventilated. Meanwhile, the CDC advises those over age 60 or with underlying health conditions to avoid crowds and poorly ventilated rooms.
When will the County of Santa Barbara cancel jury duty, especially for those more susceptible?
I was wondering this as well because I was summoned for next week, but my guess is no. The Constitution promises the right to a fair and speedy trial, so I imagine that trials and hearings are proceeding as scheduled. If you are a senior citizen, you could bring that up as a request to be excused. If you are immunocompromised, you could mention that as well, but you should be prepared to have a doctor’s note to back that up.
All you need is a note from a doctor.
The first day of jury duty requires people to gather in the Jury Assembly Room. I don’t know how many people are usually called at once, but I doubt you’d be able to keep a three-foot distance from each other in that room. Call the number listed on your jury summons today and see what they say. I had to call about a different issue a couple weeks ago and I reached a helpful human being quite easily.
…another reason why we need “professional jurors”, those who know the legal issues and justice system instead of clueless citizens who can’t see the forest through the trees…
“Speedy” isn’t exactly a defined term and these are unprecedented conditions. I predict all trials and hearings will be postponed very soon.
UPDATE: to clarify – this just came across a scanner on Twitter – from a lady in SB saying they got a positive test at a local high school. Waiting for her to cite source, etc.
Worked for me, permanently .lol
Agree with CW on pro jurors , besides who wants to be judged by a group of people to dumb to get out of jury duty ?
One can always hope . . . But, seriously—–I served on a couple juries. It’s not so bad. If **you** were on trial would you want (as your jury) only a bunch of lame-os who couldn’t figure out how to get out of jury duty? Or would you want someone who felt it was their duty and privilege to serve?
Especially if they spell it “to” instead of “two.” Okay, Edhat. Delete me.
Especially if they spell it “to” instead of “two.” Okay, Edhat. Delete my comment.
I just got called for Federal jury duty in LA early next month. Asked to be excused, no reply yet. 100 miles each way? I don’t think so. Wish me luck.