Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
L.A. County Courts Move To Remote Video Hearings
After facing criticism from county attorneys and judicial advocacy groups, L.A. County will implement remote video hearings in courtrooms across the region.
The county says 32 courtrooms in 17 courthouses in each of the court’s 12 judicial districts will use the new technology.
Now, people charged with a felony or misdemeanor will have the option to be arraigned remotely using a conferencing service called WebEx.
“The court plays an integral and vital role in slowing the spread of this deadly virus,” said Presiding Judge Kevin Brazile. “Using this WebEx technology and with the cooperation and support of our justice partners, the court is doing our part to ensure access to justice, while making our courthouses as safe as possible.”
In March, the unions representing the county's deputy district attorneys and public defenders teamed up to sound the alarm over a lack of sanitation supplies and social distancing measures in the county's courthouses.
Nikhil Ramnaney, the president of the public defender's union, said he’s happy with the fact that attorneys will have a safer, more reliable way to do arraignments.
Sponsored message
But he cautioned against making video arraignments a normal part of the justice system.
“The studies are very clear that video arraignments are detrimental and lead to worse outcomes for clients,” Ramnaney said.
The courts say video pilots are underway for other type of litigation.
READ MORE:
'Hollywood Squares On The Screen' As Coronavirus Forces Courts' Move To Remote Hearings
State Cuts Bail, Allows Remote Court Hearings To Fight COVID-19
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
