Although Los Angeles County is beginning to open up amid the Covid 19 pandemic, social distancing is still the best way to ensure prevention of the spread of the disease.
The Los Angeles County Court system is offering a new service to attorneys and people representing themselves in Limited Civil and Probate Courts. Service is expected soon in Family Law, Unlimited Civil and Complex filings, and Traffic Courts.
The Los Angeles County Court system has been virtually shut down since the beginning of the pandemic, but is expected to open up many operations on June 15, 2020. However, to ensure social distancing for all, the LACourtConnect program will begin phase one on June 22, 2020. The other courts will open in phases throughout the rest of the summer.
The LaCourtConnect program “…will [provide litigants] the option to make audio or video appearances in Los Angeles County courtrooms by using the Court’s new LACourtConnect technology that will provide a secure, safe and convenient way to attend hearings remotely. A key element of the Court’s new Here For You | Safe For You restoration of services and access to justice, LACourtConnect will contribute to social distancing requirements and dramatically change the traditional in-person courtroom appearance model…
“…Here For You | Safe For You focuses on providing a safe courthouse environment and offering expanded choices to conveniently conduct court business remotely – which promotes social distancing by reducing the number of people appearing in person. Whether appearing by phone, from home, the office or coming to the courthouse, Here For You | Safe For You provides safe, efficient options to access justice.” As stated in the Superior Court of Los Angeles New Release dated June 2, 2020.
According to Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile, “LACourtConnect will provide a safe and convenient alternative to coming through the courthouse doors to appear for your hearing. As we restore court operations on June 15 and gradually resume hearings beginning June 22, we want to assure litigants and attorneys the Court will open its doors with infection control measures, social distancing and face covering requirements.”
The current remote appearance program is CourtCall. This program will remain in use and be phased out as LaCourtConnect is phased in. CourtCall’s current rate for attorneys and litigants is $94.00 will remain the same.
During the covid 19 pandemic, the fees for LaCourtConnect will be $15.00 for audio appearances; $23.00 for video appearances; and no fees with a fee waiver.
The Court system’s other remote courtroom appearance technology, Court hosted video Webex, will be added to more criminal courts and expanded to new litigation areas. By the end of August of 2020, there will be 580 courts with remote appearance technology.
For more information on using the new remote courtroom appearance system, visit the Superior Court’s website at www.lacourt.org/newsletter.