Case ID: ad2d_38/html/0569-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Robert Townsend, Appellant.
   Appeal by defendant from a judgment of the County Court, Nassau County, rendered February 2, 1971, convicting him of criminal possession of a dangerous drug in the fourth degree, upon his guilty plea, and imposing sentence. Case remanded to the County Court, Nassau County, for a hearing to determine whether the preindictment delay was occasioned by the District Attorney and appeal held in abeyance in the interim. On these papers, a valid explanation has not been given for the preindictment delay. When there has been a delay of almost a year in informing the defendant of the charges against him, a mere claim that the 'police department recorindicate a continuing narcotics investigation is not sufficient. A hearing must be held to determine whether the preindictment delay was reasonable. Rabin, P. J., Latham, Shapiro, Gulotta and Brennan, JJ., concur.