Coronavirus is impacting every part of society and the criminal justice system is included in that list. Though the ultimate implications are yet to be known, the following are some of the impacts and potential impactsfaced by the criminal justice system:

Police Response to Crime Reports
In many cities and towns across the country, law enforcement is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some police departments are not responding to certain types of calls, especially those related to “less serious” events. In some cases, they have asked that reporting be done via phone or website. This could ultimately have an impact on charges and convictions.

Assault Charges for Spreading or Threatening to Spread Coronavirus
This would not be the first situation in which someone would be held criminally responsible for knowingly spreading an illness. At the moment, people can be detained ifthey are carrying COVID-19 and pose a health risk to other people. Those in a hospital diagnosed with the virus could be legally held there against their will.

Trials Postponed or Cancelled
Some areas of the country are postponing criminal jury trials. Others are just taking special precautions to ensure that jurors and others involved in the trials are kept a safe distance apart.

Some believe postponing or canceling trials could be a violation of the accused’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. Lawyers are working with their clients to ensure rights are not violated, but based on how unusual these circumstances are at the moment, nobody is quite sure what the outcome will be in any of these cases.

Probation Reporting Obligations Changed
Some jurisdictions in the country have canceled all in-person probation reporting. This was done to reduce the possibility of Coronavirus spreading throughout communities. There are situations in which those on probation can call-in to report or reach out to their probation officers via other means. Anyone on probation must check in with their officer to find out what their obligations are during this time.

Safety and Health of Prison Inmates
A lot of people have expressed concern over jails and prisons becoming incubators for Coronavirus. In some cases, the concern over the virus spreading has led to the early release of some inmates convicted of non-violent crimes. Prisons have also limited or canceled visitation time.

Prisons tend to have illnesses spread quickly through them because they are close quarters and something as contagious as Coronavirus could get out of control quickly. Inmates are supposed to be guaranteed the right to humane conditions as well as medical care. Something like Coronavirus, especially if the spread within prisons is out of control, puts both of these rights in jeopardy.

There are new Coronavirus developments every day. Nobody is sure exactly how this will all play out in the United States and around the world. If you are concerned your case could be impacted by Coronavirus, it is important to discuss your concerns with an experienced attorney. For more information or to talk about your situation, contact Kent Hickam at 541-928-9304.

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