Dealing with a criminal case is stressful under any circumstances, but the uncertainty that coronavirus brings to the table has certainly amped up the anxiety for many. In today’s blog post, we’re taking a look at the way COVID-19 is impacting cases. We’ll talk about what it has changed and what it hasn’t, so you can have a better idea of what to expect moving forward.
No Jury Trials
So far, it has still not been deemed safe enough to hold jury trials here in Florida. If your case needs a jury trial to proceed, this can leave you in a frustrating state of limbo. For now, we still don’t know when jury trials will be held again.
How can you deal with this? Unfortunately, right now it’s just a matter of sitting and waiting patiently. Your attorney should keep you up to date on the latest changes when they occur.. Keep in mind that once courts do reopen to jury trials, there will be a backlog of cases to get through; so even then you can certainly expect delays.
Zoom Court
Some court proceedings that don’t require a jury or in person hearings are being held via Zoom. While it took people some time to adjust to this, the technology seems to be working well and these proceedings are going more and more smoothly.
If you’re participating in Zoom court, it is essential to find somewhere with reliable internet connection. Ideally, you would participate from somewhere with little to no background noise; but if this isn’t possible, make sure to mute yourself when you aren’t talking. Finally, while lots of people may joke about how great it is to be able to participate in things like Zoom court without the obligation to dress up, you should make a good impression by looking your best despite the circumstances.
Tips for Going to Court in Person
For some matters, you may need to attend court in person. Here’s our brief list of tips:
- Don’t forget your mask. You won’t be allowed inside without taking this precaution to protect yourself and others. There may be disposable masks available, but it is best not to rely on this
- Give yourself extra time. Arrive early. Small changes like limits on the number of people in an elevator at a time can make things take longer than usual.
- Be respectful. Tensions are running high for everyone. Making the right impression in court is essential, so be respectful and on your best behavior.
Who can help me with a criminal law matter?
If you have been accused of a crime or think you may be arrested soon, contact the Law Office of Sabrina Puglisi today. It is important to have legal representation and guidance through the ever-evolving legal process. If you have questions or want to learn more about our services, we encourage you to give us a call at (305) 403-8063.