- Were you arrested for a crime? Here’s what courts during The Coronavirus Outbreak.
The first stage of a criminal proceeding, following an arrest, is called an arraignment. An arraignment is when the court presents you with the charges, and your Defense Attorney enters a not guilty plea on your behalf. In Washington State, some first appearances are taking place even amid the Coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, the Courts are still conducting video arraignments for individuals who are in custody. Video hearings are necessary because an arrested individual has a right to see a judge for arraignment within 72 hours. Any person taken to jail should immediately hire an attorney to ensure that their Due Process Rights are protected.
If officers arrested you or a family member, you should contact an attorney immediately. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations, and you can reach them at office.
- What is happening with my pending criminal case during The Coronavirus Outbreak?
Currently, courts have continued all pending criminal proceedings where the defendant is not in custody. The majority of courts in Washington State have continued all out of custody matters to dates after June 4, 2020. Some courts, however, are scheduling cases into July and August. If you have a pending criminal case, the court will mail you a Notice of Case Setting, which will inform you of your new court date. This paperwork will go to your last known mailing address, so you will need to update this information with the court and the Department of Licensing. Additionally, you will want to speak with your attorney about updates as soon as possible.
IF you have not hired an attorney for your pending criminal case, you should do so immediately. Even though your court has continued your case, it is essential to have an attorney who will represent your interests and protect your rights. While courts have canceled hearings, attorneys are still working from home and can negotiate on your behalf. Hiring an attorney ensures that your case is always moving forward. Hopefully, you can resolve your matter by the time you must reappear in court. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations, and you can reach us at office.