The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed in the sixth amendment of the United States Constitution. This right is meant to protect all defendants from a trial delay. However, loopholes in the New York state justice system have caused certain cases to get stuck in limbo for weeks, months, or even years.
The collection of criminal justice reforms that went into effect on January 1, 2020 addresses the long pre-trial periods some defendants endure and aims to reduce needless delays between arrest and trial. A tragic example of this happened in 2010 to a minor named Kalief Browder. Accused of stealing a backpack, Browder was arrested and sent to Ryker’s island to await his trial.
That trial ultimately never came to pass due to delays by the prosecution. Browder spent 2 years of his life in prison (until the date of his release) even though he had not been convicted of a crime. This new reform seeks to prevent situations like this from happening in the future.
An Understanding Criminal Defense Attorney
The time between arrest and trial should be as short as possible. At Law Offices of John A. Raimondo, our criminal defense attorney understands this and will do everything he can to quickly get you a court date.
For a complimentary case evaluation call our firm at (914) 996-4511 or contact us online.