California courts are bracing for eviction cases to double over the next year as pandemic-related financial woes deepen for thousands of renters across the state.

The California Supreme Court refused Wednesday to review the case of a repeat DUI offender who was convicted of fleeing from the scene of a crash and colliding with another car in North Hills, killing a 42-year-old woman.

Solano County Superior Court judges can extend jury trials by 30 days, at their discretion, for criminal matters scheduled until Feb. 26, and all civil trials have been suspended until further notice, in an effort to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

(Subscription required) He’s also proactive about resolving cases and he helped form a small claims mediation program at the northern San Diego County courthouse in Vista staffed by contracted and volunteer lawyers. He said they settle about 80% of the cases they handle.