Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Held in jail for over 14 months:

I have a friend that has been incarcerated for almost 14 months and his trial has been post ponded 3 times so far and there isn't really a reason to be postponed the one time she postponed it because she broke her foot then the other two times there was no judge or jury to hear the case. I don't understand why that is his problem. His bail is a half of a million dollars to high for anyone to be able to get him out. His codefendant took a 7 year plea and they are assuming my friend will take the same but, he said he didn't do anything and he's not taking a plea. The lawyer said the state doesn't have a case that's why they keep postponing it. I think there should be some kind of time limit! I'm from Maryland. If anyone can help me understand all of this I would greatly appreciate any kind of help anyone can offer. Also, is there anything that can be filed to get this matter dismissed? This man is a good guy and doesn't deserve this. He has never been in any kind of trouble. He was there when the incident occurred and he went in the police station to tell them when happened and they wouldn't let him go home. They kept him ever since. If someone can help me in any way, please do I'm completely lost! Thank you.


Asked on 12/12/08, 3:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael McCarthy Guydon Love, LLP

Re: Held in jail for over 14 months:

Commonly referred to in Maryland as "Hick's Rule," a defendant's right to a speedy trial guarantees that the court set a trial date no later than 180 days after the arraignment or after the first time the defendant's attorney enters an appearance, UNLESS the defendant waives his right to a speedy trial.

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Answered on 12/12/08, 4:24 pm


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