COVID-19

COVID-19 presents an immediate threat to our team, our clients, and to justice. The defense community has rallied to face this unprecedented threat, continuing to be on the front lines fighting injustice and sharing information with others across the country, including NAPD and other defense organizations. NAPD has created a public resource page containing sample motions, orders, affidavits, guides, and solutions, sortable by type, state, and more. 

In addition to the resources below, NAPD is now holding online meetups for executives, investigators, social workers, communicators, commission members, and other groups. Our listservs are a great way to safely keep in touch and leverage the commitment this community has to sharing what we have in the service of our clients. NAPD will be responsive to the needs of the community as they are requested of us, so please take advantage of what we have at the ready, and bring your ideas to ensure that we do our very best to deliver the right to counsel (and other associated civil liberties) during this challenging time. If you are not an individual or organizational member of NAPD, we encourage you to join. As a virtual association focused exclusively on public defense, we are prepared with many online resources ready-to-go, and are nimbly creating others to respond to this crisis. Please email heather@publicdefenders.us to connect. 
 
Thank you to everyone for contributing and offering your expertise! Seeing the community come together is a rare positive in such bleak times. 
 
Note: Given the subject matter, you should consider this page as a constant work in progress. We will continue to update the site as new information is received, so please check this page often. In addition to a PDF (or other filetype), we have included (where possible) the original source link should you need to cite to resource for a motion or other document (example - citing to a Supreme Court Administrative Order in a PR bond motion). If a court has established a COVID-Response page, we've also included the link there so that you can find as much information as possible. 

Want to contribute? Please email Jonathan.NAPD@gmail.com with any information, resources, ideas, and/or questions. If possible, include source links and any explanatory language. Remember to remove any identifiable client information. The more detail you provide to us, the faster we can get the your contribution posted.

Are you a PD Trainer? NAPD hosts a weekly PD Trainer call every Friday afternoon to discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on training and development of attorneys and staff. If you're interested in participating in the call, contact Jeff.Sherr@publicdefenders.us

This page is divided into two separate tables, you can jump to either table by clicking on the name:

  • Practice Related Materials - This table is for practice-related materials such as motions, judicial orders, affidavits, etc.
  • Resources and Solutions - This table is for potential solutions to challenges outside of direct legal practice such as remote working tools, mental health/wellness resources, and community interaction. You can also find recovery resources on this table, such as online AA providers. This is a crucial aspect to our practice (both for clients and for ourselves).
Note: Click the headers to sort the tableThe first time you click, the sorting direction is ascending (A to Z). Click again, and the sorting direction will be descending (Z to A) (Tip: To find the latest resources, sort on Date Added)


11/18/20 UPDATE!!!!!!!! Today we discovered some coding errors that prevented the table from correctly ordering resources according to "DATE ADDED", "TYPE", and "STATE". This has been fixed and the resources now display correctly when you click on those headings. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this has caused!

Stay healthy and stay safe.

PRACTICE RELATED MATERIALS

Note: Click the headers to sort the table. The first time you click, the sorting direction is ascending (A to Z). Click again, and the sorting direction will be descending (Z to A) Tip: To find the latest resources, click on Date Added.

Name Date Date Added Type State Download Source Notes
NAPD Virtual Court Statement (v8.1) 2020-06-18 2020-06-21 Statements *Nationwide DOC   Developed by the Online Courts Working Group and adopted by the NAPD Steering Committee, the Virtual Court Statement  is intended to be distributed widely and used as you move back into court either voluntarily or involuntarily.  It is the product of 15 or so public defenders from at least 10 states who have been working under the outstanding leadership of Kathleen Casey-Gamez.
NAPD Fieldwork Best Practices & COVID -19 2020-06-19 2020-06-21 Statements *Nationwide PDF   Are you wondering about returning your investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and others to the field in a way that is client-centered and protective of their safety and the safety of people they are speaking with? A group of people led by Herb Duzant of the Steering Committee and Jon Lyon have been meeting for some time and have produced a practical guide that you can distribute and use immediately.  In addition, this group will continue to meet and update best practices as they develop.
Prisons Are Covid-19 Hotbeds. When Should Inmates Get the Vaccine? 2020-11-30 2020-12-01 Vaccination *Nationwide   SOURCE Yet the C.D.C. advisory committee has prioritized correctional officers and others who work in jails and prisons for the first phase of immunizations. The federal prison system will set aside its initial allotment for such employees, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. The discrepancy raises a chilling prospect: another prison outbreak that kills scores of inmates after the only preventive was reserved for staff.
Project Memo on The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Capital Defense Practice 2021-03-01 2021-03-01 Vaccination *Nationwide PDF   Submission Note: The purpose of this memo is to help teams assess at what point during the vaccination process, meaning the process that gets vaccines to the public broadly, will it become safe and responsible to resume field investigations, expert evaluations, and jury trials without the need to wear face masks and other protective equipment or to practice social distancing? Vaccinated individuals have a substantially reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, but if he or she can still transmit the virus to others, additional precautions (e.g., social distancing and mask wearing) will remain necessary.   Thus, existing concerns about individual and community spread will remain for some time, particularly in many of our client’s communities.
And Justice for None: How COVID-19 is Crippling the Criminal Jury Right 2020-08-03 2020-08-30 Online Courts *Nationwide PDF SOURCE Brandon Draper | Boston College Law Review Electronic Supplement
Unmuted: Solutions to Safeguard Constitutional Rights in Virtual Courtrooms and How Technology Can Expand Access to Counsel and Transparency in the Criminal Justice System 2020-08-27 2020-08-30 Online Courts *Nationwide PDF SOURCE Matt Bender, University of Arkansas Law School; University of Michigan Law School 
ABA Resolution and Report on Virtual and Remote Court Proceedings 2020-08-03 2020-08-30 Policy *Nationwide PDF SOURCE  
Notice to Clients - Positive or Under Quarantine 2020-06-20 2020-06-21 Client Communication *Nationwide DOC   Developed to alert clients who are in a positive household or otherwise under quarantine to contact their attorney. Georgia template, adapt for your jurisdiction
NAPD Statement: Letter to America   2020-05-08 Advocacy *Nationwide PDF NAPD Site State and local government budgets are already being slashed, and there is a threat of a deep recession or even talk of a depression.  Now is no time for public defense budgets to be cut, as the need for our services will only go up.  We hope that this statement will be useful to you in your advocacy.
CLE Tracker   2020-05-10 Resource Collection *Nationwide   ABA The ABA is tracking all the CLE changes
NASAM - Mitigation investigation during the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020-07-12 2020-08-30 Mitigation *Nationwide PDF    
ABA STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AID AND INDIGENT DEFENSE COVID-19 Page   2020-05-10 Resource Collection *Nationwide   ABA See also Committee news tracker here
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY THE REMOTE DEFENDANT   2020-05-25 Online Court *Nationwide PDF    
Three Emergency Lawsuits

Updated 2020-04-16
  2020-04-06 Motion *Nationwide PDF   per Civil Rights Corp

Updated 2020-04-16
Jail Data Initiative   2020-04-16 Resource Collection *Nationwide   Website Graphs that visualize aggregated facility information--automatically updated daily. 
(Data available at the public JDI Github page)
Capital Trial Attorney Combined Resources     Resource Collection *Nationwide   Box  
The Appeal: Focus on Coronavirus  2020-04-10 2020-04-19 Advocacy *Nationwide PDF The Appeal  
Administrative Office of US Courts Memo to US District Judges dated 2020-03-27 2020-03-27 2020-04-05 Federal *Nationwide PDF    
Administrative Office of US Courts Memo to US District Judges dated 2020-03-29 2020-03-29 2020-04-05 Federal *Nationwide PDF    
Public Defender Sample Talking Points - Coronavirus Rapid Response 2020-03-25 2020-03-25 Advocacy *Nationwide PDF Zealous  
Declaration of Emily Olson-Gault   2020-04-19 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF   See also: Tennessee Supreme Court Stays Prisoner’s Execution Because of Investigative Time Lost to Pandemic
Dr. Lasana Harris - Declaration on the dehumanization of capital defendants during trial in a pandemic   2020-11-13 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF   Declaration on the dehumanization of capital defendants during trial in a pandemic
Declaration of Cassandra Stubbs   2020-04-19 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF   Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Capital Defense Teams
Affidavit from Dr Jamie Meyer 2020-03-15 2020-03-15 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF Civil Rights Corps Many documents cite to this affidavit.
Affidavit from Dr Jamie Meyer UPDATED 2020-03-26 2020-03-30 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF Vermont  
Affidavit from Dr. Danielle C Ompad   2020-04-05 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF   Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the New York University School of Global Public Health
Affidavit from Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes MD, MPH - Letter to Policymakers, Judicial Officers, Sheriffs, Wardens, and Parole Boards 2020-03-22 2020-03-30 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF    
Affidavit ADDENDUM from Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes 2020-04-01 2020-04-05 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF    
Affidavit from Dr. Zinzi Bailey   2020-04-05 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF    
Affidavit from Dr. Brie Williams   2020-04-05 Affidavit *Nationwide PDF Faculty Page Professor of Medicine at University of California, San Francisco and director of UCSF's Criminal Justice and Health Program
Bail Motion Template   2020-03-15 Motion *Nationwide DOC Civil Rights Corps  
ABA Civil Rights & Social Justice COVID-19 Webinar Series   2020-04-16 Webinar *Nationwide   ABA  Multi-part series exploring the recent COVID-19 pandemic at the intersection of criminal justice, civil rights, and economic concerns, among other legal areas.
How Defense Sleuths Are Forging Ahead Despite A Pandemic 2020-04-19 2020-04-21 Investigator *Nationwide PDF Law360  
Reentry Planning for COVID-19 Releases 2020-04-07 2020-04-15 Webinar *Nationwide   ABA  
Expanding Pretrial Release in the Age of COVID-19 2020-04-01 2020-04-05 Webinar *Nationwide   ABA Recording and Materials Available on Website
Training Group   2020-04-16 Training *Nationwide Email   NAPD hosts a weekly PD Trainer call every Friday afternoon to discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on training and development of attorneys and staff. If you're interested in participating in the call, contact Jeff
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook   2020-04-19 Wellness *Nationwide PDF The Wellness Society  
How to use Zoom to facilitate counsel at first appearance and all critical stages while staying home and staying safe   2020-04-16 Online Court *Nationwide DOC   Related resource: Compliance with Michigan IDC Standard 4 During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Letter to Officials re: Jail   2020-03-15 Advocacy *Nationwide PDF Civil Rights Corps Originally from Texas, CRC encourages referencing it.
Motion to Challenge the Continued Pre-Trial Confinement of At-Risk Clients   2020-03-15 Motion *Nationwide DOC NACDL  
A State-by-State Look at Coronavirus in Prisons   2020-05-03 Jail *Nationwide   The Marshall Project The Marshall Project is collecting data on COVID-19 infections in state and federal prisons. See how the virus has affected correctional facilities where you live
Online Courts   2020-05-03 Online Court *Nationwide   Website Blog housing news articles related to online courts. Ran by Katie Casey-Gamez, who is also leading the Online Courts workgroup with NAPD.
Resource Collection (NACDL)   2020-03-18 Resource Collection *Nationwide   NACDL  
Resource Collection (NLADA)   2020-03-18 Resource Collection *Nationwide   NLADA  
Resource Collection (Hofstra University Dropbox)   2020-04-05 Resource Collection *Nationwide   Dropbox  
Professor Berman's Sentencing Blog   2020-04-05 Resource Collection *Nationwide   Blog  
Civil Rights Clearinghouse's COVID-19 Collection   2020-04-05 Resource Collection *Nationwide   Website  
5th Circuit Order No 2020-05 re: Oral Arguments 2020-04-21 2020-05-10 Order Federal PDF    
Court Appearances in Criminal Proceedings Through Telepresence 2020-01-20 2020-05-25 Online Court *Nationwide PDF NIJ/RAND  
Efficiency and Cost: The Impact of Videoconferenced Hearings on Bail Decisions 2010 (Summer) 2020-05-25 Online Court *Nationwide PDF Source  
Videoconferencing in the Courts: An Explanatory Studey of Impact on Attorney-client Relationship 2015-03 2020-05-25 Online Court *Nationwide PDF Source Focused in MA, but good information.
Americans Remain Risk Averse About Getting Back to Normal 2020-04-14 2020-05-29 Jury *Nationwide PDF Gallup Not directly related to court, but may be useful in a motion
COVID-19 Survey 2020-05-03 2020-05-29 Jury *Nationwide PDF Washington Post Not directly related to court, but may be useful in a motion
Jurors in a Post-Pandemic World: What Litigators Need to Know 2020-04-20 2020-05-29 Jury *Nationwide PDF Vinson & Company Research Article
PDF
Source
Americans remain concerned that states will lift restrictions too quickly, but partisan differences widen  2020-05-07 2020-05-29 Jury *Nationwide PDF Pew Research Not directly related to court, but may be useful in a motion
Despite widespread economic hardship, most Americans not ready to reopen, poll says  2020-04-29 2020-05-29 Jury *Nationwide PDF PBS News Hour Not directly related to court, but may be useful in a motion
80 percent of those who died of Covid-19 in Texas county jails were never convicted of a crime 2020-11-12 2020-11-13 Article *Nationwide PDF VOX  
Hogan lawsuit seeking release of detainees who are susceptible to serious illness or death if they were to contract COVID-19.   2020-03-15 Article *Nationwide PDF   This document contains an abundance of medical and legal authority which may be helpful in your efforts to seek the release of similarly situated persons within your jurisdiction.
Black Women Have Long Faced Racism in Healthcare. COVID-19 Is Only Amplifying It 2020-04-10 2020-04-18 Race *Nationwide PDF The Appeal  
Why Are We Transferring Potentially Sick Inmates Across the Country Without Testing Them First? 2020-04-02 2020-04-18 Article *Nationwide PDF Mother Jones  
Internal Prison Guard Email Contradicts Government's Claims To Judges About Containing Coronavirus At Federal Detention Center 2020-04-10 2020-04-18 Article *Nationwide PDF The Intercept  
Tips For Prisoner Release Requests During Pandemic 2020-04-12 2020-04-18 Article *Nationwide PDF Law360  
District Courts Using First Step Act Compassionate Release To Remedy Unjust 924(c) Stacking 2020-04-16 2020-04-18 Federal *Nationwide PDF FD.ORG  
The United States Supreme Court’s announcement that it will hear telephonic oral argument in May 2020-04-14 2020-04-18 Online Court *Nationwide PDF FD.ORG  
USSC publication of a new titled Path of Federal Criminality: Mobility and Criminal History 2020-04-14 2020-04-18 Sentencing *Nationwide PDF FD.ORG  
Prisoner Serving Time for Drug Charge is First US Inmate to Die from COVID-19 2020-03-28 2020-04-05 Article *Nationwide PDF Source  
8 Ways to Manage Your Team While Social Distancing 2020-03-24 2020-03-31 Employment *Nationwide PDF Harvard Business Review  
California Prisons on Alert 2020-03-06 2020-03-15 Article *Nationwide PDF The Sacramento Bee Useful as attachment
CDC Guidelines   2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF CDC Useful as attachment
COVID-19 in Chinese Prisons 2020-03-09 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF The Diplomat Useful as attachment
Public Health Case for Criminal Justice Reform 2020-03-06 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF Prison Policy Initiative Useful as attachment
Prisons and jails are vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks 2020-03-07 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF The Verge Useful as attachment
World Health Organizations - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public 2020-03-18 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF WHO Useful as attachment
Prisons And Jails Worry About Becoming Coronavirus 'Incubators' 2020-03-13 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF NPR Useful as attachment
Prosecutors Across U.S. Call for Action to Mitigate Spread of Coronavirus in Jails and Prisons 2020-03-17 2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF The Appeal Useful as attachment
COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Practices to Avoid in Jails and Prisons   2020-03-25 Article *Nationwide PDF The Justice Collaborative  
Intercepted Podcast  2020-03-25 2020-03-30 Policy *Nationwide   Intercepted Episode Page Jeremy Scahill interviews Premal Dharia about the urgent need to release people from jails & prisons. Note: The segment starts at 44:30
Labor Law: What the new coronavirus relief bill means for paid sick leave 2020-03-19 2020-03-25 Employment *Nationwide PDF Richmond Times-Dispatch  
Comprehensive And Updated FAQs For Employers On The COVID-19 Coronavirus   2020-03-25 Employment *Nationwide   Fisher Phillips Website  
Employment Law Questions Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic   2020-03-25 Employment *Nationwide   Wilson Elser Website  
Comprehensive List of State Court COVID-19 Websites   2020-03-25 Response Page *Nationwide   National Center for State Courts  
American Diabetes Association - Letter to Detention Centers   2020-03-25 Advocacy *Nationwide PDF Source


Additional Information
Educational aid for courts, detention centers, and other officials on the unique challenges and risks of COVID-19 for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Webinar: Treatment Courts & COVID-19 2020-03-26 2020-03-25 Advocacy *Nationwide   Event Page The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) hosted a free webinar on treatment courts and COVID-19
World Health Organization - Preparedness, Prevention, and Control of COVID-19 in Prisons and Other Places of Detention  2020-03-15 2020-03-30 Article *Nationwide PDF    
How Nonprofit Leaders Can Keep Their Organizations Afloat 2020-04-21 2020-04-27 Employee *Nationwide PDF Harvard Business Review  
COVID Court Order Suspending In-Person Court Proceedings 2020-03-13 2020-03-24 Order Alabama PDF Link  
Supreme Court COVID Response Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Alabama   COVID Page  
Court of Appeals Order Reversing Bail Decision for Failing To Account For Impact of COVID 2020-03-24 2020-03-30 Order Alaska PDF    
Order - Breyer Order   2020-05-29 Order California PDF   Contributor note: powerful order from Judge Breyer of the Northern District of CA.  His order rejects a plea agreement on the grounds that he finds the waiver regarding a client's ability to bring a motion pursuant to 18 usc 3582(c)(1)(A) to be inhumane.  The government's effort here, to drastically limit our clients' abilities to seek this relief, is a direct result of the many compassionate release motions the northern district defense bar have brought to release imprisoned clients at risk for Covid-19.
TRO in Barr v. Flores  2020-03-28 2020-04-05 Immigration California PDF   Finding that ICE and the Office of Refugee Resettlement are not capable of providing safe and sanitary conditions for minors, as they had agreed to in a consent decree, and ordering immediate release
Solano County - Emergency Relief Implementation Order 2020-03-17 2020-03-24 Order California PDF    
Solano County - Judicial Council Letter to Oscar Bobrow 2020-03-18 2020-03-24 Advocacy California PDF    
Solano County - Letter to Chief Justice 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Advocacy California PDF    
Sample COVID Bail Motion 2020-03-21 2020-03-24 Motion California DOC    
Solano Co - Shelter at Home Order 2020-03-18 2020-03-24 Order California PDF    
Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure - Rule 43   2020-05-2525 Online Court Colorado PDF Source Presence of the Defendant (note 43(e) covers Presence of the Defendant by Interactive Audiovisual Device)
Governor's Guidance to Counties, Municipalities, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Detention Centers 2020-03-24 2020-03-30 Order Colorado PDF    
Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes MD, MPH - Letter to Policymakers, Judicial Officers, Sheriffs, Wardens, and Parole Boards 2020-03-22 2020-03-30 Affidavit Colorado PDF    
Aurora - Commutation of Sentence in Light of Health and Safety Concerns - Letter to Judge and Aurora City Counsel   2020-03-30 Advocacy Colorado PDF    
Colorado COVID Response Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Colorado   Colorado Criminal Defense Bar  
Municipal Court Announcement 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Court Colorado DOC    
Aurora - Bond Reduction Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Colorado DOC    
Aurora - Reconsideration (35(b)) Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Colorado DOC    
Combined organizations letter to Governor and others requesting immediate action to address COVID-19 in Colorado's jail and prisons 2020-03-17 2020-03-24 Advocacy Colorado PDF    
Emergency Motion - Pretrial   2020-03-24 Motion DC DOC    
Emergency Motion - Rule 35   2020-03-24 Motion DC DOC    
Declaration of Anthony Swain

(Updated 4/16/20)
  2020-04-06 Motion Florida PDF   See also:
  • Emergency Habeas and Injunction Motion
  • Proposed Motion for TRO
Proposed Motion for TRO (Anthony Swain)

(Updated 4/16/20)
  2020-04-06 Motion Florida PDF   See also:
  • Emergency Habeas and Injunction Motion
  • Declaration of Anthony Swain
Emergency Motion and Memorandum of Law In Support Of Motion For Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction   2020-04-16 Motion Florida PDF   Result:
Order Granting in Part Plaintiffs’ Emergency Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order
Emergency Habeas and Injunction Motion   2020-04-06 Motion Florida PDF   See also:
  • Declaration of Anthony Swain
  • Proposed Motion for TRO
Georgia Pandemic Bench Guide (2018) 2018 2020-04-21 Policy Georgia PDF    
Bond Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Georgia DOC    
GA Northern Circuit - OR Bond Order   2020-03-24 Order Georgia PDF    
​​​​​​​General Information Memo to Clients in Custody about COVID-19 and Our Relationship to Them 2020-03-20 2020-03-24 Policy Georgia DOC   Law Office of the Public Defender, Augusta Judicial Circuit
Southern Center for Human Rights - Letter to all 159 Sheriffs in Georgia 2020-03-24 2020-03-24 Advocacy Georgia PDF Source  
Hawaii   2020-04-21 Motion Hawaii PDF    
Amy Campanelli's interview on the COVID-19 crisis at Cook County jail. 2020-04-10 2020-04-18 Advocacy Illinois   MSNBC  
Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order or Preliminary Injunction   2020-04-06 Motion Illinois PDF    
Cook County Petition for Release from Jail with Exhibits & Supporting Amicus Brief   2020-03-25 Motion Illinois PDF    
First Steps for Bail Appeal   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Bond Reduction   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Felony Shock Probation Motion   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Bail Motion   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Probation Motion   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Bond Appeal Packet   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Motion to Release on Personal Bond   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Sample Bond Appeal Packet   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Jail Visit Disclaimer   2020-03-25 Policy Kentucky DOC    
Supreme Court Order 2020-03-17 2020-03-25 Order Kentucky PDF    
Supreme Court Order (Amended) 2020-03-26 2020-03-26 Order Kentucky PDF Source  
Motion to Challenge the Continued Pre-Trial Confinement of At-Risk Clients   2020-03-25 Motion Kentucky DOC    
Bond Reduction   2020-03-24 Motion Louisiana DOC    
Motion to Lift Probation Hold   2020-03-24 Motion Louisiana DOC    
Motion to Release Particular to Probation and Parole   2020-03-24 Motion Louisiana DOC    
Omnibus Judicial Release   2020-03-24 Motion Louisiana DOC    
NOLA - Emergency Habeas Petition - Immediate Release of Vulnerable and Low-Risk Inmates   2020-03-29 Motion Louisiana PDF Source Includes press release. Petition begins on page 3 of PDF
Videoconferencing in the Courts: An Explanatory Studey of Impact on Attorney-client Relationship in Massachusetts 2015-03 2020-05-25 Online Court Massachusetts PDF Source  
Conditional Release   2020-04-05 Motion Massachusetts DOC   Intro email
Bail Reduction   2020-04-05 Motion Massachusetts DOC   Intro email
Dr Zinzi Bailey Affidavit   2020-04-05 Affidavit Massachusetts PDF    
Petition to Mass Supreme Judicial Court asking for relief for certain incarcerated individuals and individuals at risk of incarceration who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic 2020-03-24 2020-03-27 Advocacy Massachusetts PDF   Filed by The Massachusetts Public Defender, in partnership with the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL), and their counsel the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM)
Press Release re: Petition to Mass Supreme Court 2020-03-24 2020-03-27 Advocacy Massachusetts PDF   The Massachusetts Public Defender, in partnership with the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL), and their counsel the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM), filed a petition in the Supreme Judicial Court asking for relief for certain incarcerated individuals and individuals at risk of incarceration who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Virtual Court Directory   2020-05-26 Online Court Michigan   Site  
Compliance with MIDC Standard 4 During the COVID-19 Pandemic    2020-04-16 Online Court Michigan PPT   Related resource: How to use Zoom to facilitate counsel at first appearance and all critical stages while staying home and staying safe
Supreme Court COVID Response Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Michigan   COVID Page  
Collected Michigan Pleadings and Resources   2020-03-24 Motion Michigan   Site Michigan State Appellate Defender Office
Governor's Executive Order 2020-29 2020-03-29 2020-03-29 Order Michigan PDF Source Temporary COVID-19 protocols for entry into Michigan Department of Corrections facilities and transfers to and from Department custody; temporary recommended COVID-19 protocols and enhanced early-release authorization for county jails, local lockups, and juvenile detention centers
Supreme Court Order 2020-03-15 2020-03-24 Order Michigan PDF Source Contributor note: [this] might inform other jurisdictions [because] it does a really good job of balancing rights of in custody folks with public health concerns.
Letter to Judges 2020-03-20 2020-03-24 Advocacy Michigan PDF    
Urgent Executive and Legislative Proposals 2020-03-20 2020-03-24 Advocacy Michigan PDF    
"Do I need to wear a facemask" policy  2020-04-09 2020-04-19 Policy Minnesota PDF Source Additional policies located at source website. Note: Given the situation, it's advisable to check the website for the most current version of a policy.
Court's COVID Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Missouri   Homepage  
Supreme Court Order 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Order Missouri PDF Source Among other directives, the order suspends – with certain listed exceptions – all in-person proceedings in all state courts through April 3 and authorizing local courts to determine the manner in which the listed exceptions should be conducted
Supreme Court Policy 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Court Policy Missouri PDF    
Court's COVID Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Mississippi   Homepage No dedicated page, but homepage links to various resources
Emergency Order 2020-03-13 2020-03-24 Order Mississippi PDF Source  
Emergency Order Supplemental 2020-03-15 2020-03-24 Order Mississippi PDF Source  
N.J. judge orders release of 5 ICE detainees as coronavirus outbreak mounts in jails 2020-04-13 2020-04-18 Immigration New Jersey PDF New York Daily News  
Order - Commute or Suspend County Jail Sentences  2020-03-22 2020-03-28 Order New Jersey PDF Source  
Press Release re: Order - Commute or Suspend County Jail Sentences 2020-03-23 2020-03-28 Court New Jersey PDF Source  
New Jersey Set to Release Up to 1,000 County Jail Inmates 2020-03-24 2020-03-28 Article New Jersey PDF Source  
Webinar discussing the recent order that is expected to result in the release of 1000 people in New Jersey.    2020-03-28 Advocacy New Jersey   ABA Updated link to recorded webinar and resources (20.3.30)
LOPD Safe Workplace Directive   2020-04-19 Employee New Mexico PDF    
Employee Newsletter (Work from home/Coronavirus Edition) 2020-03-30 2020-04-05 Employee New Mexico PDF    
LOPD Press Release re: Positive COVID-19 test for state public defender closes Santa Fe Office, prompts contact tracing 2020-03-25 2020-03-29 Press Release New Mexico PDF    
Development Tracker   2020-03-24 Response Page New York   NY State Defenders Association  
Video Arraignments 2020-03-19 2020-03-24 Policy New York PDF    
PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS AND COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF 2020-03-20 2020-03-30 Motion New York PDF Bronx Defenders, Legal Aid NY, et. al. Pacer Site
PLAINTIFFS’ MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF THEIR MOTION FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 2020-03-20 2020-03-30 Motion New York PDF Bronx Defenders, Legal Aid NY, et. al. Pacer Site
Mass Writ   2020-03-30 Motion New York DOC Bronx Defenders, Legal Aid NY, et. al.  
Mass Writ Parole   2020-03-30 Motion New York DOC Bronx Defenders, Legal Aid NY, et. al.  
New York State Bar Association Committee on Mandated Representation & Criminal Justice Section Resolution (including intro email) 2020-03-24 2020-03-28 Advocacy New York PDF    
Hogan Lawsuit   2020-03-28 Advocacy New York PDF   Seeks release of detainees on Rikers Island who are susceptible to serious illness or death if they were to contract the Covid-19 virus. This document contains an abundance of medical and legal authority which may be helpful in your efforts to seek the release of similarly situated persons within your jurisdiction.
Habeas Petition Inmates at Elkton Federal Correctional Institution    2020-05-10 Motion Ohio PDF    
Emergency Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus, Injunctive, and Declaratory Relief, Class Action 2020-04-13 2020-04-18 Motion Ohio PDF FD.ORG  
Tennessee Supreme Court Stays Prisoner’s Execution Because of Investigative Time Lost to Pandemic   2020-04-18 Capital Tennessee PDF Death Penalty Information Center Contains motions and affidavits, along with information on multiple cases
Virtual Courtroom Directory   2020-05-26 Online Court Texas   Site  
Coalition Letter to Governor Abbott on Detention in Texas State Facilities During COVID-19 2020-04 2020-05-10 Advocacy Texas PDF Source Signed by NAPD, NLADA, NACDL, NELP, PJI, and others
Motion and Memorandum in Support of Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction   2020-04-06 Motion Texas PDF    
Lawsuit challenging GA-13 2020-04-08 2020-04-16 Lawsuit Texas PDF Source  
Supreme Court COVID Page   2020-03-24 Response Page Texas   Homepage  
First Emergency Order 2020-03-13 2020-03-24 Order Texas PDF Source  
Statewide Public Defense Update Email 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Policy Texas PDF    
Governor's Letter to Agency Heads 2020-03-13 2020-03-24 Policy Texas PDF    
Motion for Continuance   2020-03-24 Motion Texas DOC    
Habeas Extension Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Texas PDF    
Release Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Texas DOC    
Personal Bond Release Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Texas DOC    
Letter to Officials re: Harris County Jail   2020-03-24 Advocacy Texas PDF    
Resource Collection (TIDC Dropbox)   2020-03-24 Resource Collection Texas   Dropbox TIDC has setup a Dropbox with many resources including declarations, affidavits, motions, orders, and other general materials. They'll be adding more to it as well.
Texas judges will be able to conduct court online as coronavirus spreads 2020-03-20 2020-03-28 Article Texas PDF KVUE ABC News  
Romero v State 2005 2020-09-21 Caselaw Texas PDF   Submission Note: 2005 case that deals with a state’s witness testifying in a “disguise”.  The court of appeals ruled this violated 6th amendment confrontation and the CCA affirmed the COA.  If you read the opinion, Judge Keller, writing for the majority, went to great lengths to emphasize the importance of seeing a witnesses face, facial expressions and witness demeanor.  I think this case could be applied to the mask situation we are facing now in Texas.One caveat is that the court said that encroachment of face-to-face confrontation is permitted only when it furthers, “an important public interest” and reliability is otherwise assured.  Be prepared for the argument that safety during COVID-19 is an important public interest.
Governor's Executive Order - no authority may release on personal bond anyone previous convicted of a crime of violence, or charged with a crime of violence supported by probable cause 2020-03-29 2020-03-29 Order Texas PDF SOURCE  
Omnibus Motion for Release   2020-04-21 Motion Utah DOC    
Objection to Prelim Hearing   2020-04-21 Motion Utah DOC    
Summary of Objections to Certain Video Hearings   2020-04-21 Motion Utah DOC    
Bail Motion   2020-03-24 Motion Vermont DOC    
Juvenile Resources   2020-03-30 Juvenile Vermont   Vermont Google Doc  
Resource Collection   2020-03-30 Resource Collection Vermont   Vermont Website  
​​​​​​​Motion for Bond Modification Based on Changed Circumstances   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Joint Statement from Public Safety Agencies    2020-03-27 Advocacy Virginia DOC    
Agreed Order to Modify Sentence   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion for Resentencing   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion to Advance Hearing Date   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion to Convert Bench Warrant to Show Cause   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion to Recognize Client's Limited Agreement to Toll Speedy Trial   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion Objecting to Continuance and Asserting Right to Speedy Trial   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Motion for Pre-Trial Release of At-Risk Clients, Change in Circumstance (Template Body)   2020-03-25 Motion Virginia DOC    
Implementation of the Standards for Indigent Defense During the Coronavirus Emergency    2020-09-25 Guidance Washington PDF Washington State Bar Assocation Advisory Notice by WSBA Council on Public Defense
Time-Sensitive Motion for Compassionate Release   2020-04-05 Motion Washington PDF    
Defendant's Emergency Motion for Detention Review   2020-04-05 Motion Washington DOC    
Memo in Support of Release   2020-04-05 Motion Washington PDF    
Order - In re: Hearing by Video or Telephone as Authorized by The CARES Act  2020-03-30 2020-04-05 Order Washington PDF    
Resource handbook for clients’ issues, prepared by Keller Williams Realty   2020-04-05 Client Resource Washington PDF    
Compassionate Release Motion #2   2020-04-05 Motion Washington PDF    
Resource Collection (Washington Defender Association)   2020-03-25 Resource Collection Washington   Link  
Order - Court to Slow 2020-03-18 2020-03-24 Order Washington PDF    
Representing Your Detained During a Pandemic 2020-04-09 2020-04-19 Webinar West Virginia   Website Recording and materials available on website
Habeas Petition 2020-04-09 2020-04-19 Motion West Virginia PDF    
Supreme Court COVID Page   2020-03-24 Response Page West Virginia   WV Homepage  
Administrative Order 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Order West Virginia PDF Source  
Supreme Court Press Release 2020-03-16 2020-03-24 Press Release West Virginia PDF Source  
Bail/Bond Reduction Motion   2020-03-24 Motion West Virginia DOC    
Lawyer Work From Home Policy   2020-03-24 Policy West Virginia DOC    
Name Category Group Date Added Notes
Google Voice Communication Tech 2020-03-24 You can utilize a Google voice to make calls from your computer or through the app. This is separate from your personal phone number. You can also text with it and your voicemails get transcribed.
Microsoft Teams Communication Tech 2020-03-24 You can communicate with your team, contact clients, and access shared files using Microsoft Teams
Zoom Communication Tech 2020-03-24 Prices vary depending on features, including HIPAA/PIPEDA plans starting at $200 per month
Lifesize Communication Tech 2020-03-24
  • Specific legal solution page
  • Kathleen Elliott (Exec Dir, Idaho) has worked to utilize this service with the jails
    • Appears they're offering 6 months for free due to COVID (as of 3/16/20), more details
Skype Communication Tech 2020-03-24 Part of Office-365 and Microsoft Teams
Jabber Communication Tech 2020-03-24 Phone solution through CISCO VPN
Unity Recovery Recovery Support 2020-03-24 Meetings 7 days a week at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 9pm (EST)
In The Rooms Recovery Support 2020-03-24 In The Rooms is a free online recovery tool that offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from addiction and related issues. They embrace multiple pathways to recovery, including all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health modalities
Smart Recovery Recovery Support 2020-03-24 Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating).
Recovery Dharma Recovery Support 2020-03-24 Recovery Dharma Online organizes daily meetings accessible via computer, smartphone, or dial-in. Together we meditate, study Buddhist teachings, and support each other on our paths to sobriety and peace
Objections to Certain Video Hearings Advocacy Tech 2020-04-21 This contains a summary of Utah's objections to certain video hearings. We've included it here given the subject matter. (It's included above as well.)