Covid shutdown continues

The Supreme Court of Texas issued the "33rd Emergency Order regarding the Covid-19 State of Disaster" on Jan. 14, 2021.  ALL in-person court proceedings and jury trials are further suspended until April 1st, 2021.  Unfortunately, what this means for all clients is more delays and probably long periods of no updates or new information on your case.  It is impossible to predict when the courts will reopen for regular business.  What was "normal" is probably no longer.  

What this means for you:

1. Do NOT go to the courthouse for any appearances.  Do NOT take what your bondsman says as fact over what I tell you.  I am in direct contact with the courts on all cases and they send the attorneys all the Zoom information and updates directly.  Bondsmen simply look in the system, see a date, and tell you that you have court.  CALL ME BEFORE GOING AND DO NOT JUST SHOW UP THERE.  Every court is handling their caseloads differently.  Some are having daily dockets via Zoom and others are not having any.  Most courts are not having clients appear unless they are set to plea or have a motion to revoke hearing.
2. Unless you want to accept a plea offer, the best strategy is to wait it out.  Most prosecutors are not making reasonable plea offers right now because they know you won't be able to go to trial any time soon.  As long as you can handle your bond conditions and having your case(s) pending, it is probably best to wait it out.  BUT, every case is different and everyone has different consequences of their case so it is best to set an appointment with me if you want to discuss.  PLEASE SCHEDULE USING THIS LINK SO THAT I AM AVAILABLE AND HAVE YOUR CASE OPEN IN FRONT OF ME:  https://VHedlundLaw.as.me/
3. Continue to check in with your pre-trial services officer (IF you have one...many people do not) and continue to check in with your bondsman so they know you haven't fled the area and don't file with the court to come off your bond.

The 33rd EO can be found here:  
https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1450329/219004.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3avlPPj4OqnGuB8G8YAwtO9WoSC3pBgown8mjJl-inO7H2aN6jojaWszU

Hang in there everybody.  As anxious as you feel, know that there are thousands of other people waiting for their day in court too so you fall in a long line of people who may have been waiting longer than you.  We will get through it sooner or later. 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always email me as well:  [email protected]

Stay safe and healthy!
Valerie