Legal Question in Criminal Law in District of Columbia

Re: Defendent rights

The prosecution cannot delay a trial indefinetly. Defendants have a right to speedy trial under both the U.S. Constitution and Maryland Declaration of rights. If your speedy trial right was violated, your attorney can request that the case be dismissed.

The State can delay a trial indefinetly, however, if you agree to give up your right to a speedy trial. This happens often if the Defendant is offered what is know as a "stet" and the case is placed on an inactive docket.

Hope this helps.

David