The Judicial Council unanimously approved the following measures, extended 90 days after the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted:
*extend the 10 court day period for holding a preliminary hearing and the defendant’s right to release to 30 court days
*extend the time period in which a defendant charged with a felony offense shall be taken before a judicial officer from 48 hours to not more than 7 days
*extend the time period for holding a criminal trial by more than 30 days, and
*extend the time period to bring an action to trial by more than 30 days
In addition, the Superior Courts were directed to use technology to conduct judicial proceedings remotely, and to prioritize use of technology to ensure defendants are not held in custody, and children are not held in custody or removed from the custody of their parents or guardians, without timely due process of law or in violation of constitutional rights