On March 13, when the Idaho Supreme Court reduced court operations, our office had no idea what the coming months would look like. A week later, when the courthouse closed due to a potential exposure, two of our prosecutors were in a preliminary hearing for a murder suspect. Each party had to leave the courtroom and move to an off-site location to complete the hearing.
It may have been the first change we had to make as an office due to COVID-19, but it was not the last.
Since then, prosecutors, support staff, victim witness coordinators and investigators have found ways to stay efficient in protecting the public, while most positions essentially cut the courthouse from the equation.
“I am grateful for the support and understanding of my entire staff, crime victims, witnesses and all of the people who interface with our office during this challenging time when we are doing our best to fulfill both criminal prosecution duties and civil responsibilities with unique solutions,” said Prosecutor Jan M. Bennetts.
As Idaho continues into Stage 2 of reopening, and areas of the Ada County Courthouse begin to open, we wanted to share what the journey has looked like for us up to now.
Court Appearances
The majority of hearings in criminal and civil cases has moved to video court appearances and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. With the help from Ada County’s IT department, prosecutors were equipped to appear for court via video.
We’ve faced some challenges during this transition, but the staff has made a focused and dedicated effort to continue to provide the communication and services the public deserves.
All criminal trials are postponed until August and all civil trials are postponed until October.
In the meantime, prosecutors are still handling initial court appearances via video, from preliminary hearings, to motion hearings and guilty pleas. In person hearings occur in limited circumstances, for example, sentencing hearings where the maximum punishment of life imprisonment is possible or where the presiding judge determines an in person hearing should occur given the circumstances of a particular case.
On May 16, Saturday court was held. Prosecutors, along with judges and public defenders, worked Saturday as one way to manage the backlog of cases. Most of the cases were managed via video, although some included in person appearances by the parties in the courthouse.
As the courthouse re-opens, we’re transitioning to having more employees doing their work in the office. We continue to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing when in the courthouse.
Even though normal operations have changed, we are especially grateful for little moments we get to share with our team, like when Prosecutor Jan M. Bennetts swore in two deputy prosecutors earlier this week.
Victim Assistance
Victim witness coordinators continue to ensure victims are well informed, supported with resources and have access to the courts through alternative methods designed to keep them safe and healthy.
Victims can watch virtual hearings from their own homes. They are also given the option of meeting in person at a designated place in the courthouse that has been retrofitted with monitors for them to view hearings with their victim witness coordinators. Victim witness coordinators maintain social distancing, wear facial coverings and ensure all health guidelines are followed to keep everyone safe when they meet. One side benefit is that the virtual system allows their questions to be answered faster during the hearing without interrupting the court session.
“Most victims have expressed that the video appearance was a positive experience for them, given the circumstances,” said Shelly Parker, victim witness coordinator. “It offers them a way to be involved in the case from the comfort of their own home without putting their health at risk.”
