Temporary COVID-19 / Coronavirus Changes to Office Procedure Etc.
As you are aware, the current pandemic has created a host of issues affecting our clients and the courts. In an effort to keep our clients and potential clients abreast of how Bradford Ladner LLP is handling matters during this health crisis, we offer the following information:
OFFICE HOURS / CLIENT MEETINGS
We are still accepting new clients and servicing existing clients. Our offices in Birmingham and in Mobile are open but are observing limited hours of operation. We are typically avoiding in person meetings in order to comply with local social distancing directives. We have shifted the majority of our communication to telephone or videoconferencing in the short term until the immediate health crisis is over. We remain available to talk to any clients or prospective clients by telephone via our office phone numbers or cell phone numbers. Please do not hesitate to call us. Birmingham 205-802-8823 / Mobile 251-303-8800
COURT HEARINGS / TRIALS / ETC
The Alabama Supreme Court has issued directives regarding the postponement of many cases and an effort to avoid in person appearances for court. More information is available via the Alabama office of courts website.
In general, courts in Jefferson County in Mobile County are not conducting in-person court appearances at this time. Nevertheless, the courts remain open to service attorneys and the public as needed for essential court proceedings. If you are a Bradford Ladner LLP client and have a question regarding your court appearance or your case, please contact our office and we will assist you and advise you about what to do. Many cases are being continued or they are bing conducted by videoconference.
The Federal courts in Alabama remain generally open but the ability to appear in court in person has been somewhat limited. There is ongoing efforts by the Federal courts to conduct court proceedings by videoconference whenever possible. If you are a Bradford Ladner LLP client and have a question regarding your court appearance or your case, please contact our office and we will assist you and advise you about what to do. Many cases are being continued or they are bing conducted by videoconference.
JAIL VISITORS / THOSE CURRENTLY INCARCERATED
Many, if not all, county jails have severely curtailed access by visitors of any type. Unfortunately, this also includes attorney visits to clients who are presently being housed in local jails. In addition, the Alabama Department of Corrections is also severely restricting access to person-to-person communications with prisoners. Where possible, we are attempting to establish ongoing communication with our clients by phone or videoconferencing through the jail. This is somewhat problematic due to concerns that the communication between the attorney and client might be monitored. Steps are being taken to ensure that whatever videoconference communication takes place between our office and our clients the communication will remain confidential and covered by the attorney-client privilege.
OTHER MATTERS
Based upon a number of sources of information, it’s our understanding that the Alabama Department of Corrections has stopped accepting prisoners from county jails and temporary basis. This means that if you are presently incarcerated in a county jail, and awaiting transport to the Alabama Department of Corrections, your transfer will be delayed. More Information Here.
PAROLE HEARINGS
It is our understanding that the Alabama Department of Pardons and Paroles have temporarily suspended parole hearings due to the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic. More Information Here.
