The coronavirus situation is impacting the justice system on the Central and South Coasts. The Santa Barbara County Supervisor Court system is looking at ways to reduce the number of people coming to court.
Presiding Judge Michael Carrozzo is encouraging judges to work with attorneys and litigants to postpone current and upcoming jury trials. Carrozzo is encouraging people to reach settlements if possible, and if that isn’t possible to work together to reach agreements to delay cases. The court system is also working to allow in-custody defendants to make video or phone appearances.
Meanwhile, to prevent the spread of coronavirus visitation will be suspended for inmates at the main Santa Barbara County Jail. The ban starts tomorrow, and will remain in place until further notice.