Criminal case suspensions were not always a routine legal motion. But due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana criminal cases are continuing to be suspended as workloads and staff availability remain exponentially incompatible. If you were recently notified that your Indiana criminal case has been suspended until further notice, it’s important to educate yourself on what this means to your pending charges and bail bond conditions, and how the law expects you to move forward.
Continue reading to learn what to expect if your criminal case was just suspended in Indiana and who two trust for precise legal advice and criminal defense representation in Indianapolis.
Facts About Indiana Criminal Case Suspensions
As a result of the recent coronavirus pandemic, the Indiana criminal justice system has seen its share of delays. Criminal case suspensions are accumulating by the day at this point, so it is no surprise that you have just received notice of suspension involving your pending criminal case. Whether or not your criminal case will be rescheduled sooner than later depends on the circumstances surrounding the emergency plans being made by the Indiana courts and legislative system. Basically, it is all up in the air as of right now, making it vital that you contact in Indianapolis Indiana criminal defense lawyer to learn exactly what’s to come of your criminal case.
Which Cases Are Being Suspended?
There are various parts of a criminal case, but currently, there are specific elements of the criminal justice system being suspended by the Justice Department here in Indiana. These include jury selections, new criminal trials, and various types of court hearings. Here is a more detailed list of the current Indiana criminal case suspensions:
❖ New Criminal Trials
❖ Jury Selection Hearings
❖ Other Court Hearings
❖ Oral Arguments
❖ Building Access to Employees
❖ In-Person Interviews
❖ Jury Trials
Additional suspensions not involving the outcome of a defendant’s criminal case include restrictions on employees entering and leaving the building, oral arguments during trials, trials by jury, and in-person interviews. These practices are currently not permitted in Indiana criminal cases.
What to Do If Your Criminal Case is Suspended
If your criminal case has been suspended, you should’ve received notice right away from the local court and by your hired attorney. Within this notice should be detailed instructions on what’s expected of you during this time. Your most important focus at this point should be to remain employed, avoid committing any further offenses, and stay away from all criminal activity.
For those not in custody, all criminal case matters will be postponed until further notice. If you are out on bail during this time, you will still need to adhere to all bail bond terms and conditions. This includes not leaving the state, remaining out of trouble with the law, and appearing for your court hearing when it is rescheduled. Be sure to stay in contact with your criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis to ensure you do not miss your rescheduled court date.
For those arrested and in custody, trials might be delayed or postponed. In this case, defendants would have to remain in jail until their trial is rescheduled. Typically, criminal cases are pushed back weeks or months in time, but there are some that have been pushed to over a year. Speak to an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney for help rescheduling your court hearing.
Was your criminal case suspended in Indiana and now you aren’t sure what to do? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!
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