I have requested an emergency extension from the California Supreme Court Chief Justice for the San Diego Superior Court to remain closed through April 30, 2020. I have every reason to believe this request will be granted and thus, our Court will not be open for regular court business on Monday, April 6, 2020.

Consistent with our current practices, we remain open for only emergency matters as described in General Order 031820-34, as amended, which is available at sdcourt.ca.gov/coronavirus along with answers to several of the Court’s most frequently asked questions during the closure.

All non-emergency civil, family, juvenile, probate and out-of-custody criminal matters will be recalendared and notice will be sent in the mail for later dates.

The San Diego Superior Court is working with the District Attorney’s office, the Public Defender’s office and the Sheriff’s department to set up a remote video appearance courtroom for all felonies and misdemeanors in each court. Next week, the Court will start hearing cases where the defendant is in custody and has a right to a hearing consistent with the additional time that has been ordered by the Chief Justice. In these limited cases, the defendant will appear remotely from the detention facility and counsel may have the option to appear by telephone as well.

All Criminal Defense counsel that have questions regarding in-custody matters should contact the District Attorney’s office or City Attorney’s office. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to balance the needs of the public with the health and safety of all Court users.

Lorna Alksne

Presiding Judge

San Diego Superior Court