Court Laws Regarding COVID-19

BY | November 18, 2021

Have you recently gotten into some legal trouble? The skilled and professional team at 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds is here to help you. We know how challenging this time can be for you and your family; we can assist you in getting through it.

You should know that we don't judge or criticize any of our clients. We fully understand that mistakes happen. Our only goal is to ensure you're able to move on with your life. With years of experience and a deep passion for this industry, we guarantee your complete satisfaction. You are in good hands.

Now, if you've landed on this page, you are likely already familiar with the bail process. However, if you'd like more information about how to get out of jail, how to contact a bail agent or the types of payment we accept, please take a look at our blog section.

We've created this particular article to clear up confusion regarding court laws and COVID-19. For example, what is important to know about current court protocols, if it's necessary to wear a mask, if any individual can enter a court building without being on the calendar, and if the courts are open to the public.

If at any time you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Not only do we want to fully answer all your questions, but we also want you to feel knowledgeable and comfortable—so you know what to expect during all upcoming procedures. We're trying to avoid all surprises.

Keep reading to learn more!

Southern California County Courts and COVID-19 Restrictions

Referring to Southern California and COVID-19 laws and restrictions, there is a list of counties you may need or want to look up, depending on where the arrest took place. Specific counties to consider include the following:

Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
Riverside
San Bernardino

As you already know, COVID-19 set a new precedence for every industry, business, and establishment—and the rules are still changing.

As of now, in the County of Los Angeles, social distancing has been eliminated and in-person access has been restored without capacity limits in all courthouses and courtrooms. Yet, a mandatory face mask order does remain in effect.

Further, appointments are strongly encouraged for clerks’ offices and self-help services. For more information on remote courtroom appearances and remote service options, please click here. Remote options and possibilities will depend on individual circumstances, including the nature of the case and the health of the defendant.

The courthouses of Orange County Superior Court are now open for in-person services. However, services such as Self Help and Family Law may require appointments. Additionally, some hearings are still being conducted remotely by video appearance only. It’s important to understand the nature of the case and review its case-type facts, as each case will present various protocols.

Yet, one rule that seems to be universal: Members of the public are required to wear a mask or facial covering when entering all court facilities—regardless of vaccination status. Social distancing is not required.

The San Diego Superior Court has restored additional in-person access in the wake of updated state and local public health guidance, which allows for the relaxing of some COVID-19 safety protocols. For the most part, public access has generally reverted to pre-pandemic levels, yet many online and remote options remain available to those interested. Those who are not feeling well or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay home and seek online assistance.

Hand sanitizer stations remain available in public spaces within the courthouse and higher-rated MERV-13 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters have been installed at all facilities to reduce airborne particles. Fresh air circulation has been increased throughout the court facilities where possible. Increased cleaning continues to take place, particularly regarding all high-touch areas (i.e. door handles and elevator buttons).

Facial coverings are required in all courthouses.

The Riverside Superior Court is committed to protecting the health and safety of the community while still performing its constitutional duties following guidelines provided by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

As such, it’s asked that if you’re not feeling well, then stay home. Those who enter any court facility are required to wear face coverings at all times. If you do not have a mask, you may request one at the security screening. Anyone not wearing an appropriate face covering will be turned away by security.

When your case is set for a hearing, you'll likely receive a Notice of Hearing from the court. Review this notice carefully, as it will inform you if your hearing will be conducted live, in-person, or by phone.

In the County of San Bernardino, masks are required to enter any court location—regardless of vaccination status. As it’s been previously mentioned with other courts in other counties, if you’re feeling ill and/or have COVID-19 symptoms, you should not come to court. This is particularly important to note for those who are not vaccinated or have been exposed to someone with COVID 19.

Following the guidelines provided by Governor Newsom and orders by the San Bernardino County Public Health Officer, all courts have been able to restore most services. However, the court does encourage all users to access remote service options to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These services options include the ability to submit filings by mail, fax, dropbox, etc.

If you have an upcoming court appearance scheduled, you will receive a Notice of Hearing to appear in person. In some cases, your attorney may appear on your behalf. This notice will contain important information.

As you can see, the rules and restrictions put into place—as of now—are pretty similar and uniform in all counties. Most operations have resumed in a somewhat normal capacity. Social distancing is not required, though masks are to be worn at all times when inside any court building. If you do not feel well, you should not be at court.

Because these rules and restrictions will likely continue to change throughout the course of learning more about COVID-19, it's highly recommended that you visit the court's website (links have been provided above) or make a phone call to the court before heading out. This could save you time and hassle if a change has occurred after the publication of this article. As you are likely aware, rules and restrictions regarding COVID-19 are still changing rapidly.

Again, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the bail industry, please contact us at your convenience.

Testimonials

"I recently used the bail bonds services in Santa Ana, CA. Not only was my bond agent quick to fulfill my needs, but also very understanding and informative. I wasn’t judged or criticized—just simply helped out of a tough situation. My bond agent answered my questions and even made me feel comfortable and at ease, despite the grueling circumstances. I don’t plan on getting into any more legal trouble, but if I do, I will contact them again. This team is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. I highly recommend their services."

Testimonial

"Though I’m not proud to admit it, I recently got into some legal trouble in Santa Ana, CA, which resulted in my arrest. I was scared and confused at first, even unsure of what to do next. However, I contacted 24 hour bail bonds and I’m so happy I did! Not only did a professional and experienced bond agent help get me out of jail, but I was also given insightful information on what to expect moving forward. I was never judged for my actions, only given a second chance. I’m so thankful and cannot recommend their services enough. Thank you!"

Testimonial

"When you find yourself in trouble with the law, the last thing you want is to feel alone. After getting arrested in Santa Ana, I made the decision to call 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, and I’m so glad that I did! Not only did my bail agent get me out of jail fairly quickly, but I was also told exactly what to do next and what to expect with the process of moving on with my life. Thank you so much! This extremely professional, experienced, and judgment-free team made an awful situation significantly better. I don’t know what I would have done without them".

Testimonial

Contact Bail Bond Services in SoCal

Facing arrest can be quite devastating for you and your loved ones. We also understand how scary and uncertain circumstances can be when in jail, especially when you are unsure how soon you can leave jail. During times like these, you want a professional bail bonds agent to handle your matter so that you can be free in a short amount of time.

If you are looking for the best bail bonds service provider in Southern California, the 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds is the top choice for you. We have integrated online services with standard bail bond procedures to post bail on behalf of our clients. Our agents also understand the need for prompt action after you contact us.

Therefore, you can expect to receive timely bail bonds services in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino. You do not have to stress about the bail release process after an arrest. Instead, give us a call today at 800-930-8999, and we will offer you quality bail bond services and at a low cost.