Dear friends,
As we face the COVID-19 pandemic, I write first to extend my sincere hope that you and your loved ones are well, and that you may find peace amid these challenging times. Whether you have charges pending against you, you or a loved one are in custody, you’re awaiting post-conviction relief, or face some similar issue, these times of uncertainty can add stress to an already difficult situation. I write to give you an update on our operations.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, my staff and I have strictly adhered to the infection control guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control including the cessation of in-person appointments and implementation of new procedures with daily reassessment to ensure a seamless transition to a telecommuting office in order to protect our client family, our work family, and our families at home. With our highly-trained workforce and many of our staff already working remotely at times, this shift has been a smooth one, and we continue to deliver the highest levels of performance, availability, and care. We remain in full operation and available to assist you at 714-879-5770.
Just as always, the most efficient way to reach us is by calling the office.
We recognize that we are first responders in the wake of this global pandemic. I want to assure you that we have been operating with the fullness of that awareness. This is why we took early measures to stay ahead of the curve, and we continue, each one of us, to work harder than ever to make sure that our clients are protected.
This is especially true as it relates to our friends currently in custody. At the earliest stages we began preparation of motions for OR release or reduction of bail for persons in custody; release or bail for those on no-bail holds for probation violations; motions to modify probation to allow release of persons serving sentences in jail.
As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Orange County Jail.
There have been and will continue to be various court closures. The situation is evolving and is different from county to county and from court to court. Courts sometimes announce a closure and change course with little notice. We have been working around the clock to stay abreast of the courts’ changing operations, and we will continue to keep you apprised of developments as they occur relative to your individual matter.
In addition, we continue to stay on top of all pre-trial preparation, investigation, negotiation and litigation, and post-trial relief, and we are committed to be better equipped than ever to bring about the best possible resolution of your matters.
Although these are uncertain times, rest assured we’re taking care of you. Courts are essential functions and there will always be access to justice for the most urgent cases. And I’m very grateful that everyone on my staff has stepped up even more than they normally do (which is a lot). As so often happens in times like these, there has been selflessness and heroism among my office family, and an “all hands on deck to help our clients” attitude. I’m very grateful and proud to be working with them.
Rest assured, we will continue to serve you, our clients and our lifeblood, with the same level of attention, skill and professionalism that you have come to expect.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to communicate through email or to call the office at 714-879-5770. You can also text me, as always, with any time-sensitive matters any day, seven days a week, at 714-612-7865.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon. Be well.
Sincerely,
JACQUELINE GOODMAN
Attorney at Law
