https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/03/29/with-covid-19-emergency-powers-california-courts-modify-speedy-trial-rules-endorse-remote-hearings/ > Criminal defendants may be facing longer waits in custody or for key hearings after the state courts’ oversight body invoked coronavirus-inspired emergency powers over the weekend to extend what qualifies as a “speedy trial” during the COVID-19 crisis. > The unanimous vote of Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Judicial Council was aimed at providing relief to state courts struggling to meet Constitutional arraignment and trial deadlines. Widespread court closures and reductions to help stem the spread of COVID-19 are clogging up court movement for new felony arrestees, and felony defendants who exercised their Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial.