It was announced on May 19, 2009 by Los Angeles Superior Court officials that all Los Angeles County Trial Courts will be closed the third Wednesday of every month commencing July 15, 2009. This order is in effect until further notice.

This decision was in response to an estimated 90 million dollar shortfall to keep the courts running. All employees will be “furloughed” one day a month and that will save taxpayers approximately 18 million dollars a year.

Many people who operate in the court system see this as a dangerous decision to the rights of those accused.

When a person is arrested for a crime in Los Angeles, he must by law be brought to court within set periods of time to be permitted to ask for a bail reduction and to plead to the charges. This will mean that many people accused of crimes will have to sit in jail an additional day to wait to come to court. This will cost the county jail system financially in that they will have to house inmates for an extra day each month.

There is no word yet as to whether courts in other counties will follow the lead of Los Angeles County.

If you are facing criminal charges of any nature and want the help of an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, please call Wallin and Klarich at 888-749-0034. We will be there when you call.