As the pandemic rages on putting millions at risk, some courts in Washington are taking drastic measures. Case in point, on Friday, the King County Superior Court (“KCSC“) announced that it is halting all in-person jury trials as of today in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. This policy isn’t going to be in place for a short period of time, as it is expected to stretch through at least mid-January 2021. Non-Jury trial matters are still being processed by the court, but much will be done virtually via the Zoom platform.
Suspending jury trials is necessary to protect the health and safety the entire community. With guidance from public health experts from the University of Washington, KCSC will continuously monitor rates of COVID-19 and adapt its Public Health Plan in line with the changing landscape of the pandemic. KCSC’s decision to suspend jury trials follows a similar move it imposed in early March, when the county court system halted all jury trials to aid in the prevention of spreading the virus.
In line with KCSC, the Snohomish County Superior Court system also suspended all in-person jury trials, citing the risk from COVID-19. As if the proverbial wheels of justice weren’t already slow, the pandemic has forced the breaks to be pumped even more. Hang in there everyone. This is sure to be a slow grind.
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge, don’t hesitate to hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
