Sonoma — Press Release: Sonoma County Superior Court Continues some Jury Trials amid COVID-19 Surge

Source: https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/sites/all/assets/pdfs/general-info/Press%20Release%20re%20Jury%20Trials%201-5-22%20(003)%20(003).pdf

Superior Court of California County of Sonoma

Shelly J. Averill Arlene D. Junior
Presiding Judge ACCESS, SERVICE, JUSTICE Court Executive Officer

Robert M. LaForge
Assistant Presiding Judge

PRESS RELEASE

January 5, 2022 SONOMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT: COURT CONTINUES SOME JURY TRIALS AMID COVID-19 SURGE

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For Immediate Release The Sonoma County Superior Court has reduced the number of jury trials that will be started in the next 30 days in response to the substantial increase in COVID-19 cases in Sonoma County. All criminal jury trials scheduled to start from Jan. 4, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2022, will be postponed to a date after March 1, 2022, unless the defendants in these cases exercise their constitutional right to a speedy trial. Each judge retains the discretion to permit a case that they deem serious, violent, or involving a vulnerable victim to proceed to jury trial during this time. All other criminal division calendars are proceeding as currently set.

All civil jury trials will be continued to a date after March 31, 2022, when they appear on the date currently set for trial. All other civil, probate, family, and juvenile division calendars, including LPS and Guardianships, are proceeding as currently set.

“This 30-day delay will help keep the courthouse as safe as possible for all who enter it, including jurors, defendants and employees of the court. The court will continue to provide services to the public during this stage of the pandemic and maintain access to justice for all,” Presiding Judge Shelly Averill said.

Individuals who receive a summons to appear for jury service should report as directed in the jury summons or follow the directions included with the summons to request a deferment or hardship excusal prior to the date of appearance. Jury Services contact information: (707) 521-6640 or scjury@sonomacourt.org

Media Contact:
Arlene D. Junior
Superior Court of California, COUNTY OF SONOMA
600 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 707-521-6800
For additional information, visit website at http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/

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