Do You Have a Right to a Speedy Trial During a Pandemic?

When unexpected world emergencies, such as COVID, interrupt the normal motion of things, it can be hard to determine how everything will be affected, including the right to speedy trials.

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Right to Speedy Trials During COVID

So, I wanted to bring this up because I recently read an article down in Colorado Springs where a person was potential convicted of a felony and it was set for April 13th. Due to the COVID pandemic, the court was not able to hear that trial.

Now that person and his attorney are motioning the court to dismiss all charges because his constitutional rights and state rights were violated.

About the Right to Speedy Trials

Under Colorado law, if you’ve been convicted of a felony, you can request the court to set the trial no more than six months out. And if that has been violated, then you can motion to dismiss the case.

Now, under that same Colorado law, it’s unfortunate the law does not touch on public emergencies, they are allowed to extend your speedy trial with specific exceptions.

What’s in Store for Courts During COVID?

[The law] really doesn’t talk about public emergencies that really have to deal with this type of crisis called COVID, and it’s unfortunate. So this is going to be something that’s going to play out over the next couple of months.

Connect with Robert

If you’ve been convicted of a felony and need our help to do some type of motion or be prepared to do that type of motion don’t hesitate to reach out!

Give us a call at 303-688-0944 to begin your case assessment.