The Response Winter 2020-2021 - 11

back to its normal level again. However, one positive to
this trend has been the drop in DUI cases that has occurred
over the course of the pandemic and continues today. This
can probably be explained though as bars are not open or
have limited hours and food must be served while imbibing
alcohol. This may be one of the few good things that we have
experienced since February.
	
The care, teamwork, and frankly the patient understanding
of the circumstances between our judges, defense attorneys
and district attorneys paved the way for our county to be one
of the first counties in the state to restart jury trials again in
June. We used a big auditorium to pick a jury. Our 4 large
courtrooms allow for social distancing. Masks are worn all
times except for the lawyer speaking or the witness testifying.
To date, we have had approximately 25 jury trials, including a
first-degree murder trial which resulted in a conviction.

Most litigators and litigants
don't like the " new normal " but are learning to live with
it. No legal issues have been raised regarding our COVID
procedures and we are able to move forward addressing the
backlog of cases, the timely resolution to cases, and provide
closure for victims of crime.
Change isn't easy under normal circumstances, but COVID
has taught us we can change. I am grateful for the collaboration
and teamwork that allowed Berks County to quickly adapt.
Not even a global pandemic could stop our mission to obtain
justice.

11
The Response Winter 2020-2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Winter 2020-2021
