The New York Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, has just issued a long overdue opinion on 30.30, statutory speedy trial rights. The decision dramatically curtails the prosecutions ability to continue dragging cases out- a process that New York criminal defense lawyers are only too familiar with. From now on, when the prosecution is not ready for trial on both sides of a long adjournment, the time will likely be «chargeable» for 30.30 speedy trial purposes. This is a welcome change in the law, and will benefit criminal defendants, lawyers and judges alike.
Here’s the opinion:
NY Court of Appeals- People v Marsha Sibblies COA 2014