Jeff Tsarnas' hit and run jury trial started today with 16 jurors in the audience and the rest in the jury assembly room.
Judge Timothy Canning read the public broadcast warning since court is now being broadcast via livestream.
There was a brief interruption due to confusion of cleaning and disinfecting courtroom seats. Judge Canning at had the 16 jurors exit so a cleaning crew could come in. A few minutes later, he explained to the jurors who came back in that a crew at night sanitizes the seats with protection that lasts 24 hours and under their seats, there is an arm chair covering.
Judge Canning expressed gratitude to jurors for serving in these challenging times due to COVID. He mentioned all the extra measures taken for trialsto proceed so that the court was ensurinh the rights of the People and the defendants but complying with safety of jurors.
A roll call of jurors was taken, the oath administered to jurors. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Deputy Conflict Counsel introduced themselves. Judge Canning explained role of the court bailiff, court reporter and court staff. Mr. Rees asked to "approach". By stipulation, juror#30 was excused.
Judge Canning is going over some questions. Then attorneys will ask questions.
If there is anything significant or a specific question to this trial, it will be added to this post for today and any other coverage of jury selection may or may not have a separate post.
Tsarnas is charged in Count 1 with VC20001 (a) as a felony.
According to Shouse law, "Vehicle Code 20001 VC is the California statute that makes it a felony for a person to flee the scene of an accident in which another person has been injured or killed.1 It is the injury that makes the crime chargeable as a felony. If the accident only causes property damage but no injury, then it can only be filed as a misdemeanor."
Tsarnas is charged with VC20003 and VC20004. There is a special allegation that he "personally inflicted great bodily injury " to Marie Eluzabeth Kelly. She is being represented by Mr. Patrik Griego.
Jury selection and the trial is being broadcast via livestream and I did very detailed coverage of the preliminary so coverage of this trial will vary on what happens and new information.
Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/03/finally-some-movement-in-jeff-tsarnas.html?m=1
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