While we're canceling things, we should be thinking about misdemeanor courts. They're typically packed. Defendants can spend hours elbow to elbow while waiting for cases to be called.
DAs should consider waiving misdemeanor charges until this passes, especially in hot spots. 1/5
DAs should consider waiving misdemeanor charges until this passes, especially in hot spots. 1/5
At the very least, postpone misdemeanor court sessions until we know have a better grasp on this. It's nuts to force people to choose between their health and an added fine or bench warrant, especially for alleged offenses that, by definition, aren't comparatively serious. 2/5
People in misdemeanor court are also often those who can't afford lawyers to stand in for them. Which means they're less likely to have access to good health care. 3/5
Not advocating lawlessness here. Make rolling decisions as public health picture evolves, so public knows that any misdemeanors committed going forward could still be punished. 4/5
But the safety risk of forgiving citations already given seems low compared to the risk of packing a bunch of people into tight quarters for a few hours, then sending them out into the community. 5/5
Adding to this thread: I’ve been observing a public defense office this week. The attorneys here are still meeting with clients in jail, attending hearings in crowded courtrooms, etc. Working from home isn’t an option. Same to some extent for judges, prosecutors, court officers..
... the least we could do is not force all of them & defendants to pack into court multiple times for minor infractions. Do it online. Or via teleconference. Or at least postpone for now.
