While the world seems to be on hold because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this does not mean that the people won’t still be charged with crimes. However, those with current criminal cases (and those yet to be arrested or charged) will soon learn that this virus is affecting criminal proceedings in Loveland, Fort Collins, and across Larimer County. At the O’Malley Law Office, we are still up and running, while taking common sense precautions to protect ourselves and clients. If you have been charged with a crime, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can handle initial consultations by phone, and establish your legal representation remotely. We will make sure your case receives the attention it deserves despite these difficult times.
Coronavirus Lawyer: Loveland and Larimer County Court’s Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
In Larimer County, different courtrooms are entering orders setting out people’s court appearances into June 2020. It’s still important to be proactive in addressing your case, especially now. Witness interviews still need to occur and discussions with the DA will take place well before the new court date. With the backlog of cases, prosecutors will be less willing to spend additional time questioning their officers’ reports and victim statements.
The official statement regarding these scheduling changes is:
The order then states what the new court date will be. Usually, if a case is subject to the Victims’ Rights Act, moving a court appearance would require input from the victim. However, this emergency situation is forgoing normal judicial procedures in the name of public safety.
Fort Collins Criminal Lawyer COVID-19: What Cases are Being Heard in Larimer County?
Only essential proceedings will occur from now through May 15, 2020. These essential proceedings include:
- Temporary and permanent protection order hearings;
- Hearings on emergency risk protection orders;
- Appearances to set bond for those incarcerated;
- Probation revocation hearings for those incarcerated;
- Necessary appearances (like bond-related matters and plea agreements) for those incarcerated;
- Detention hearings for juvenile cases;
- Shelter hearings for juvenile cases or Dependency and Neglect cases;
- Petitions for emergency guardianship or special conservator assignment;
- Hearings on motion to restrict parenting time;
- Emergency mental health proceedings.
Basically, when it comes to criminal matters, all appearances will be reset unless the defendant is incarcerated.
Larimer County COVID-19 Attorney: How This Can Affect You- Mandatory Protection Orders Keeping You from Your Home?
Aside from the fact that your case will now likely take longer to resolve due to this scheduling nightmare, there are other ramifications that may affect you. For example, say you were charged with Harassment as an act of Domestic Violence after you and your significant other got into an argument. When you were arrested, a mandatory protection order was entered and you are not to have any contact with the alleged victim. This may mean you are prohibited from going to your own home. In a normal situation, an experienced Harassment attorney could file a motion to modify the protection order, asking the judge to allow you to go home. The judge will want input from the DA and the victim before making a decision. However, now that these hearings are not taking place, it may be months before the court will even address the issue.