At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland understand that during this unprecedented health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have more questions than answers about their pending criminal charges.
Our defense attorneys are working remotely at full capacity to ensure the safety of our staff and of both our existing and new clients while providing the top-notch legal representation they deserve via phone, text, email, or video conference.
Although our judicial system has delayed upcoming hearings and trials, if you have been charged with a crime, it will not simply go away during this pandemic. Our criminal defense attorneys can provide the help and direction you need to pursue the best outcome available for your unique circumstances once the courts reopen to hear cases in person.
Current Regional Stay-At-Home Orders Have Been Extended
Washington D.C. mayor, Muriel Bowser, issued a stay-at-home order and closures of non-essential businesses on March 30, 2020, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and to help keep our communities safe. That order has been extended through May 15, 2020.
On the same day, Maryland Governor, Larry Hogan, issued a statewide stay-at-home mandate, directing all Marylanders to stay home, except to complete essential tasks. The order is in effect until further notice.
Arrests Are Still Occurring During the Stay-At-Home Mandates
The Metropolitan Police Department has recorded hundreds of arrests from DUI charges, despite the District’s stay-at-home orders and the closure of restaurants and bars regionwide.
According to the Maryland State Police, dozens of people have been charged with violating the Governor’s executive order, and most recently have connected drug charges to those who are in violation.
If you have been charged with a crime or cited for violating the stay-at-home in Washington D.C. or Maryland, our criminal defense attorneys can help provide the best legal outcome available for your unique circumstances.
Are the Criminal Courts in Washington D.C. and Maryland Open During the Stay-At-Home Orders?
In response to COVID-19, all District of Columbia Courts are operating in a remote status with no staff on-site.
All current Criminal Division Hearings set prior to May 18, 2020, have been rescheduled for a future date, focusing on July as a potential target month.
D.C. Superior Court has only four courtrooms operating on a mostly remote basis, which will only hear:
- Adult arraignments and presentments
- Civil, probate and tax emergencies
- Criminal and domestic violence emergencies
- Family court emergencies,
- Neglect and juvenile initial hearings
All emergency hearings will be conducted by the judge remotely.
Temporary Protection Orders that were issued for two weeks and were to expire in March will not expire until May 15, 2020, or the next assigned court date.
The Maryland Criminal Courts are currently closed to the public but will continue to hear certain types of emergency matters. Most courthouses are operating with essential staff only.
The courts will reportedly be staffed to handle emergency matters, including:
- Bail reviews
- Domestic violence petitions
- Juvenile detention hearings
- Search warrants
Judges are authorized to use remote electronic means of conducting legal proceedings when possible
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland Today For Help
If you have a case pending in our Washington D.C. or Maryland criminal courts, contact our Washington DC criminal defense attorney at Lotze Mosley, LLP today by calling (202) 393-0535 to discuss the details of your case with our experienced attorneys via phone, text, email, or video conference. While your case may be delayed because of the current health crisis, this is the perfect time to build the best criminal defense for your circumstances, and we want to help.
