Tag: jury trial

The Davis Vanguard: Defendant Forces Rare ‘Real’ – Not Zoom – Prelim Hearing to be Held in Sacramento Court

SACRAMENTO – It’s rare, but a defendant in Sacramento County Superior Court refused to have her preliminary hearing held via the video streaming service Zoom this past week, forcing the court to have it the “old-fashioned way” – in a real courtroom, with real witnesses, real lawyers and real judges, and not images flashed on a computer screen.

Since Zoom courts have operated this past month, judges preface them by asking defendants if they agree. Virtually all of them do.

Shante Combs, facing felony assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor obstruction of a police officer, literally had her day in court – not virtual court – after turning down an offer of five years probation, according to evidence presented to the court.

Read the full article here.

Chicago Tribune: Lake County judges adjust to streaming court hearings after state Supreme Court decision

This article discusses how Lake County has adapted to virtual courts. Of note is this excerpt:

Lake County Superior Court Criminal Division Judge Diane Boswell said the criminal division has been using Zoom to expedite bond reduction hearings and no contact orders, among other things.

“It’s working. It’s the best we can do right now,” Boswell said. “We’re trying to keep cases on track.”

But, not all criminal cases can be handled online, Boswell said.

Jury trials and contested hearings can’t be held via Zoom for constitutional reasons, Boswell said. For example, if a jury trial were held over Zoom, it would block the defendant’s right to cross-examine witnesses or accusers, she said.

Read the full article here.