How to Enforce Speedy-Trial Laws

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees every United States citizen the right to a speedy trial that is fair and free of unnecessary delays. When enforced properly, speedy-trial laws make sure everyone is treated equally and without prejudice, regardless of the crime in question.

Instructions

1. Obey the law by avoiding all criminal activity during your trial. If you are charged with another crime during your trial, it may delay the legal process. This kind of delay will most likely not be considered a violation of speedy-trial laws, as your own actions will have caused the interruption of the legal process.

2. Read the Sixth Amendment thoroughly to familiarize yourself with your legal rights. In order to enforce speedy-trial laws, you must consider the amount of time that a criminal trial has been delayed and the reasons for the holdup. According to the Sixth Amendment, if a citizen's right to a speedy trial is not honored, the criminal charges must be overturned.

3. Show up on time for all court hearings and appointments related to your trial. If you want to enforce speedy-trial laws, it's extremely important that you do not cause any delays. Missing court dates may also result in contempt charges, which usually involve fines or jail time.

4. Treat the judge, attorneys and court officials with respect. Speedy-trial laws ensure that you will be treated fairly and respectfully, so it's important for you to display the same courtesy towards the other members of your trial. This will also help the trial move forward smoothly, without any unnecessary interruptions caused by improper conduct.

5. Hire an experienced criminal lawyer to represent you in court and help enforce speedy-trial laws. Find a lawyer with experience defending those accused of the crime with which you have been charged.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that a trial may be legally delayed for certain reasons. A trial may be legally delayed to allow time to contact witnesses or obtain evidence. Also, there is no specific time limit for how long a trial may be delayed.

• Get to know how trial delays can benefit a defendant. According to the United States Supreme Court, if a person's right to a speedy trial is violated, that person cannot be tried again in the future for that same offense.