Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I have one more question for Don Waggner my daughter is waitting for a letter from the state of Florida for a case on Lewd&Lascivious i know that she may have to wait 175 days for response . My question is what if they don't come to and aggrement when the days are up what happens then thank you


Asked on 9/15/09, 10:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Don Waggoner Don Waggoner Law, P.A.

If she was arrested, and 175 days pass without the state filing charges, a motion to discharge may be filed and the charges should be dropped. The state has up to and including 175 days. I don't know what you mean by "agreement." If the state has already filed charges, they have to get her to trial w/in 175 days. If not, a Notice of Expiration of speedy trial can be filed and the state gets an extra 15 days. There is no penalty to the state, and the charges remain valid, unless the Notice is filed. If the 15 days pass without trial, then the motion to discharge would be filed and the case dismissed. There are a couple of "gotchas" in the rule, but they rarely apply. If charges are filed, continuances with waivers of speedy trial are generally made and granted. The state and the defense can come to an "agreement" on a plea at any time after charges are filed.

If you want to speak to me directly, find me on this site and call me or e-mail me. I am on the internet and in the phone book. If you don't have an attorney yet, I suggest you hire one.

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Answered on 9/15/09, 11:10 am


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