Criminal Charges / Crimes

You may have heard of the Constitutional “right to a speedy trial” but unfortunately, that right only applies to the defendant, not the victim. So, if the defendant gives up that right by requesting adjournments or by getting new lawyers, etc., the court may continue to allow the delays. However, it’s understandable that you’d want the case to move forward. Perhaps if you are able to get a meeting with the assistant district attorney (ADA) who is handling the case, you may be able to express your frustration and ask the ADA if they are willing raise this issue of how the delays affect you to the judge. I am not sure, however, if the judge would consider the effect on you when deciding whether to grant or deny the adjournments but at least it may help make the judge aware that delays can be harmful to the victim of the crime.