The Speedy Trial Right and Other Timing Issues
Once one is charged with a crime, forces may pull both ways. On the one hand, a defendant might want to move the proceedings quickly, perhaps with the hope of allowing the government less time to prepare or putting an end to the nervous process of awaiting the outcome. On the other hand, "aging" a case is sometimes helpful, whether because of the extra preparation time, because the prosecution's zeal for the case might diminish, or because of some other factor. Here you'll learn about the speedy trial right, continuances, and other factors that play into the timing of a criminal case.
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the individual states guarantee the right to a speedy trial.
A continuance is a grant of additional preparation time before or during a trial. Learn the common reasons lawyers ask for continuances and when a judge is likely to grant or deny the motion.
The amount of time that passes between an arrest and the filing of charges on the one hand, and trial or entry of a guilty or “no contest” plea on the other, varies widely from case to case.
Many defendants want to enforce their right to a speedy trial. But lawyers frequently advise their clients to agree to move slower. Why?
Many kinds of criminal acts can be the basis of civil lawsuits for damages (money).
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