A jury trial is currently scheduled for Jason Daniels, the former HCSO deputy charged with off duty charged with off duty sexual assault. Julia Fox and Steven Betts are representing Daniels.
DDA Brie Bennett was present for the People.
Today, there was a hearing scheduled in Courtroom 5 at 2 p.m. A little after 2 p.m., Judge Hinrichs was kind enough to say that if anyone was in the audience for the Daniels matter, it would be heard around 3 p.m. since defense counsel had requested a phone appearance and to accommodate schedules. That allowed Will Houston and Times-Standard and myself to go check out the status of the Gary Lee Bullock case.
Steven Betts appeared via the phone.
Judge Hinrichs informed both attorneys that the jury trial would proceed depending on courtroom availability. Judge Hinrichs is the Presiding Judge and she is meeting with court staff later today to go over upcoming trials scheduled.
"It might be problematic to have a courtroom," said Judge Hinrichs. "There are two homicides starting September 28, then two homicides starting October 5, two for October 13, and two for November 13.
Judge Hinrichs is meeting with court staff to plan trials next week.
To complicate matters further, Judge Hinrichs said a Judge is retiring. The outcome of what cases could be heard would depend on availability of a Visiting Judge through the California Judicial Council.
Judge Hinrichs asked both Ms. Bennett and Mr. Betts "if meaningful offers had been discussed."
Both sides said chances of a resolution is unlikely.
For now, the dates remain as set. Trial assignment is at 8:30 a.m. on September 18. Judge Hinrichs suggested that the attorneys contact Courtroom Services Division Manager Lisa Chapman or Criminal/Traffic Division Manager Janice Sousa late in the day on September 16 to get a better idea of whether the trial would be a go.
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/06/epd-records-and-two-witnesses.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/06/jury-trial-for-jason-daniels-former.html
"It might be problematic to have a courtroom," said Judge Hinrichs. "There are two homicides starting September 28, then two homicides starting October 5, two for October 13, and two for November 13.
ReplyDeleteso just who is going to be hearing all the murder trials??? there are NOT ENOUGH JUDGES! in 17 days we will have been waiting 3 years for this trial to start!