What happens to criminal defendants during California’s coronavirus shutdown?

Business across California has ground to a halt as state officials work with health experts to stave off the coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused businesses large and small to temporarily close as health officials encourage everyone to do their part to “flatten the curve.”

Sacramento criminal defense attorney Mark Reichel says for criminal defendants, the prolonged shelter-at-home order could impact their constitutional right to be heard in front of a judge after being suspected of a crime.

“Their day in court has been taken away through no fault or out of their control,” Mark told FOX40’s Lonnie Wong.

Mark said courts may see an uptick in filings on behalf of clients who weren’t given their right to a speedy trial. For now, most courts are simply continuing, or delaying, hearings until they are able to operate at full speed once again.

Read the full story on FOX40.com

Posted in Media Appearances.