Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Rights to a speedy trial

I was booked on a criminal charge in April of 2005. No trial date yet. Last motion my lawyer made was for a change a venue which the judge heard on july 12 2006. He is still pontificating his decision. Is there a lenght of time he is obligated to make a decision. This thing has hampered my career severely.


Asked on 8/18/06, 10:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Rights to a speedy trial

The right to a speedy trial is lessened by any action taken in your behalf. For instance, if you filed a motion which the court heard, and you are waiting a decision, that period does not count. There are other exceptions as well. Your lawyer can contact the clerk or the judge's lobby, if that is the bottleneck, and ask when the decision can be expected. There is a downside to this as well. If you have lost confidence in your lawyer, that's one issue. If this is an issue of a judge slow to decide, that's something else. Any how, if you want to contact me, and need some help, please do so.

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Answered on 8/18/06, 10:34 pm


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