Los Angeles on Lockdown

Los Angeles Lockdown

Los Angeles, following the lead of other communities in California and worldwide, announced on March 19, 2020 that there will be a lockdown county-wide in an attempt to control the spread of Covid-19.  The City has Ordered that everyone stay in their homes, with certain exceptions.   

Q:  What is the penalty if found in violation of this order?

A:  Failure to comply with this Order shall constitute a misdemeanor subject to fines and imprisonment. The Los Angeles Police Department and the City Attorney have been urged to vigorously enforce this Order via Sections 8.77 and 8.78 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code.

If cited or arrested on a violation of this Ordinance, call me at 818-336-1384 to discuss the situation further. 

Q:  How are the Courts effected by this?

A:  After 3 days of being shut down from March 17-19, 2020, the Courts reopened on March 20, 2020, the same day this Order went into effect.  The Courts for the most part are operating with skeleton crews, meaning that many of the departments are closed and being re-routed to other departments (ie.  if the cases would normally be heard across 10 departments, they are now filtering all the cases through 3 departments). 

The Courts also issued an emergency order granting a 30 day extension on speedy trial rights.  Essentially, that means that cases that would normally have the right to go to trial in the next 30 days from the date of the order or get the case dismissed, may have to wait an extra (up to) 30 days to exercise that right.  And that is assuming there are no further emergency orders by the court.  This raises an interesting

I can say that based on my experience today, it was a bit chaotic.  Although the Judge did his best to keep things flowing, there was definitely a lack of “social distancing.”  Crowds in the hallway.  People standing a foot or two away from people they do not know etc. 

I expect there to be regular updates from the Courts in the next few weeks.  Checkout LACourt.org for updates. 

Q:  What are some of the exceptions to the stay-in order?

A:  Essential services are remaining operational.  This includes Courts, Grocery stores, banks, gas stations, media services such as radio and tv stations, organizations that provide food, mailing and shipping services, Laundromats, Restaurants for delivery and pickup only as well as some other essential services.

Q:  Can I leave my house at all?

A:  Yes, in accordance with the exceptions listed in the order.  See the attached link for the complete order.

These are interesting times to say the least.  A balancing of constitution rights vs. emergency situations to protect the public at large.  Stay safe out there! 

For the complete Lockdown Order that was released on March 19, 2020, click here: https://www.philhachelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/City-of-LA-Order-3-19-20-1.pdf