Presiding Judge Joyce Hinrichs addresses frustration and explains how court operations and jury trials are being conducted now

At trial assignment for Scott Eden on August 28, jury trial scheduled for August 31 was vacated. Trial assignment was continued to September 4.

Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads is the prosecutor for the case. Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian is Eden's attorney. Deputy Public Defender David Celli appeared for him on the case today.

There was discussion about expert availability which revolved around availability,mostly in mid September.

Mr. Celli said he objected to the continuance because Eden had "been in custody a long time. New discovery was provided and came to light right before trial."

"The last continuance was on behalf of the respondent," said Ms. Eads. "We made effort to proceed."

Eden was previously convicted and sentenced  for spousal rape. His case was reopened and in January, the second trial was in the middle of jury selection. Nine days into the jury trial, jurors were sent home.
There was a mistrial declared.

Humboldt County Presiding Judge Joyce Hinrichs responded in length during the Eden case but also addressed similar concerns for another case which also had trial assignment continued to next week.

This information is helpful for attorneys, jurors,  the public and families of both victims and defendants.

"Due to COVID 19, we can only do one jury trial at a time," said Judge Hinrichs.

In normal times, scheduling is challenging. With COVID 19, there are "a lot of moving parts."

Judge Hinrichs said that court staff is doing their best to schedule trials, questionnaires, dates with keeping in mind how long it may take to "realistically get a jury panel. What we are trying to do is address witness issues  the best we can."

"We are in the middle of a COVID pandemic," said Judge Hinrichs. "The Court is making every effort to make everyone safe as possible. We are running court in direct consultation with Public Health."

"Apparently folks can be infected with the virus and can recover fully," said Judge Hinrichs. "There is a segment of the population that have issues that are not resolved to date and can result in death."

"We have opened and are hearing more than many courts in the state," said Judge Hinrichs. She said that "what is unfair for people waiting for the court process" is being considered as well as safety.

"We are doing our best for any person that doesn't need to be here," said Judge Hinrichs.

"We are livestreaming," said Judge Hinrichs. "We are not doing anything in secret."

"If I had my choice, I wouldn't have woken up on March 16," referring to the court related changed due to COVID 19 pandemic. "We are doing our best to be fair and just to all involved."


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