SF's criminal case backlog called 'humanitarian crisis' as hundreds await trial

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco Superior Court is battling a massive backlog of criminal cases and now city supervisors are demanding answers.

San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen held a hearing on the backlog of criminal court cases Thursday.

RELATED: Videos show scope of Bay Area's weekend of organized retail robberies

There are 451 felony cases and 218 untried defendants remaining in custody past their statutory deadline.

"Every single person has the right to a speedy trial," said Ronen.

Representatives from the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office were present.

Noticeably absent though were representatives from San Francisco Superior Court.

WATCH: Video shows decimated San Francisco Louis Vuitton store after massive smash-and-grab robbery

Multiple suspects have been arrested after a Louis Vuitton store in San Francisco was hit by thieves.

"Judge Feng rejected the invitation," said Ronen.

"If the courts aren't open already why is that," she continued.

A spokesperson for San Francisco Superior Court told ABC7 News because the case backlog dispute is part of a pending lawsuit he couldn't discuss it.

Supervisor Ronen said the courts have repeatedly cited the COVID19 pandemic as an excuse, despite the many public services that have reopened.

RELATED: Arrests made in SF auto burglaries, armed robberies targeting New York filmmaker, others

"Yet people who want to exercise their right to a speedy trial are told to wait," said Ronen.

The public defender's office called it a humanitarian crisis and emphasized the racial disparities in those waiting.

"The failure to afford the most vulnerable and oppressed members of our community a speedy trial should give us all pause," said Kathleen Guneratne.

The district attorney's office said crime victims also suffer.

EXCLUSIVE: 84-year-old SF man attacked with glass bottle while using ATM in Laurel Village

A San Francisco senior is recovering from being hit with a glass bottle while using an ATM in Laurel Village.

"Long delays deprive victims we serve of the justice they deserve," said Marshall Klein.

Solutions explored included using civil departments for criminal cases and considering alternative San Francisco locations for trials, something the sheriff's office addressed in terms of security changes that could be necessary.

The committee voted to send a resolution prioritizing criminal trials and safely opening courtrooms to the full board with a positive recommendation.