Community Update on COVID-19 from Aaron Delgado

Dear Friends:

We are open for business! If you need help, we are here for you.

We have several meeting options available:

For the time being, we are still offering face-to-face meetings in our Daytona Beach office.

Our offices are being cleaned regularly throughout the day, after every client meeting, and we are wiping down all common areas with disinfectants. There are complimentary hand sanitizer stations at the entrances and all staff who handle money wear gloves to do so. Additionally, we have opened up several conference rooms as lobbies so that we do not have people sitting close to each other. 

We can also handle meetings over the phone or internet for new or existing clients, and we can process payments through our online portal. In other words, there is no reason that we cannot meet your legal needs at this time.

The only issue we face is court closure. The Florida Supreme Court has stopped all trials and “tolled” speedy trial. Right now we are waiting to hear from the Chief Judge of our Circuit, but we expect courts will likely close for all but essential functions, such as first appearances. This means if you are arrested and cannot make bond, it may be a long time before you can be heard by a judge. This makes having someone attend your first appearance all the more important.

Also, if you have a warrant, you want to talk to an attorney about surrendering to avoid being in custody for a prolonged period. We have been successful in getting relief—such as bond—based on a fear of exposing inmates to COVID-19.

There is no doubt that the pandemic is having a real impact on our justice system—people facing short jail sentences may find themselves able to get some great deals, people serving short jail sentences may get released early, etc.—as we try to avoid overwhelming the jails with potentially sick people.

People will probably miss court or worry that they did. People may not report to probation or pretrial services, or be confused about if they have to. Make sure to stay in touch with your officer and do not assume you are excused!

Please, stay informed (from reliable news sites!) and do not spread misinformation (or the disease!). Everyone is worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their health and their wallet; not only has the market crashed but we are all worried about keeping businesses open. We are all in this together and we will get out of this together.

Here are a few ways you can help local businesses in your area during this difficult time:

• Shop local, but online.
• Buy gift cards to use later.
• Use delivery services to buy from local restaurants and stores.
• Do not cancel memberships or service appointments if possible—instead, see about putting them on hold or extending them for an extra week or month when things are back to normal.

Many businesses are trying to offer novel solutions to keep their doors open and their staff employed.

For your personal safety:

• Wash your hands regularly in hot soapy water for 20 seconds or longer.
• Disinfect frequently touched areas.
• Keep your hands away from your face, especially your mouth.
• Sacrifice a chicken at the stroke of midnight (just kidding).
• Limit gatherings to essential persons only.
• Practice social distancing (i.e. keep at least six feet between you and other people).
• Self-quarantine if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Be mindful that you may be healthy and strong as a bull (or cow, #nobias) but your elderly parents may be at risk.
• If you cough or sneeze, turn your head, sneeze into a handkerchief, napkin, your elbow or hand (then wash, wash, wash!).
• If you feel sick, stay home!

Our goal is two-fold—(1) prevent getting infected and (2) slow the rate of infection so our resources as a community, a state, and a country, are not depleted or stretched too thin.

We will continue to update everyone as we learn more. We hope everyone is staying safe and being careful to avoid unnecessary risks. In the words of the great Bill S. Preston (and Ted “Theodore” Logan), “Be excellent to one another!”