By the beginning of 2010, all Orange County in-custody cases will be heard in a newly established courtroom at the Central Mens Jail known as CJ1.
The Central and Harbor Justice Centers have already made the transition, commencing use of the new courtroom in October. The North and West Justice Centers will follow this month.
This policy will apply to all misdemeanor and felony cases in which the defendant is in-custody, including assault and battery, drunk driving, drug offenses, theft, fraud, sex offenses, domestic violence and hit and run, to name but a few.
Proceedings that will not be heard in CJ1 include continued arraignments, felony probation violations, arraignments on informations, PC 1000 and PC 1210 violations and Anaheim video arraignments.
The courtroom will be fully staffed with a judge, Deputy District Attorneys, clerks and detention release officers. It will also provide access to the court proceedings via a public viewing area.
As to whether this new system will help or hurt the criminal defendant or assist in more efficient court operations...only time will tell. |
Posted By The Law office of Barney B. Gibbs on November 19, 2009 09:00 am | Permalink  |