Affirmed and Opinion Filed July 21, 2015.

In The

Court of Appeals

Fifth District of Texas at Dallas

No. 05-14-00632-CR

No. 05-14-00633-CR

EDWIN PINEDA, Appellant

V.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

On Appeal from the County Court at Law No. 4

Collin County, Texas

Trial Court Cause Nos. 003-81224-09 and 003-81225-2009

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Before Justices Lang, Stoddart, and Schenck

Opinion by Justice Lang

Edwin Pineda appeals the trial court’s final judgments, convicting him of charges of an 

accident involving damage to a vehicle in an amount of $200 or more and driving while 

intoxicated (D.W.I.). See TEX. TRANSP. CODE ANN. § 550.022 (West 2011) (accident involving 

damage to vehicle); TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 49.04 (West Supp. 2014) (driving while 

intoxicated). The jury found Pineda guilty and the trial court assessed his punishment at fortyfive days of confinement in the county jail in each case. In his sole issue on appeal, Pineda 

argues the trial court erred when it denied his motion to dismiss the case due to the alleged 

violation of his right to a speedy trial. We conclude the trial court did not err. The trial court’s 

final judgments are affirmed.
–2–

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Pineda was arrested on February 6, 2009 for an accident involving damage to a vehicle 

and D.W.I. This was his second offense for D.W.I. and Pineda was still on community 

supervision for a prior D.W.I. On February 7, 2009, Pineda was transferred to the Collin County 

jail. On February 9, 2009, the jail released Pineda on bond and he was transferred to the custody 

of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On February 17, 2009, Pineda entered into a 

“voluntary deportation agreement.”

1

 Approximately seven days after he entered into that

agreement, Pineda boarded a flight to Honduras at his own expense. According to Pineda, he 

hired an attorney at some point in February 2009. The docket sheet in the D.W.I. case reflects 

that Pineda’s first attorney filed a letter of representation with the trial court on March 25, 2009.

On April 9, 2009, the information for the offense of accident to a vehicle involving 

damage was filed. On April 13, 2009, a notice to appear was issued to Pineda in the accident 

case, ordering him to appear on May 8, 2009. On April 29, 2009, the information for the offense 

of D.W.I. was filed. On April 30, 2009, the Collin County Community Supervision and 

Corrections Department filed a notice of violation with the trial court in the D.W.I. case, stating 

Pineda had not reported to its office since being released from jail, confirming Pineda had been 

“deported,” and advising it had filed a motion to revoke Pineda’s community supervision in his 

prior D.W.I. case. It also recommended that the trial court revoke Pineda’s bond. Pineda did not 

notify his probation officer of a change in his address.

On January 22, 2010, a notice to appear was issued to Pineda in the accident case, 

ordering him to appear on February 19, 2010. Also, on January 22, 2010, a notice to appear was 

issued to Pineda and his first attorney in the D.W.I. case, ordering Pineda to appear before the 

 

1

Pineda testified about his agreement and referred to it as a “voluntary deportation agreement.” He said that he was in immigration custody for 

two days then, “[t]hey let me leave voluntarily, and I paid for my own ticket to go back to my country. And I waited in Austin, Texas, for 

about seven days before going to Honduras.” Pineda’s agreement with the federal government was not admitted into evidence.
–3–

trial court on February 19, 2010. Pineda failed to appear on February 19, 2010, and warrants and 

bond forfeiture capiases were issued in both cases.

At some point, Pineda returned to the United States illegally, but he did not notify his 

probation officer of his return. On April 3, 2014, Pineda was detained on his bond forfeiture 

capiases. On April 11, 2014, the trial court appointed a new, second attorney2to represent 

Pineda and set Pineda’s cases for a jury trial on April 28, 2014. 

On April 24, 2014, Pineda’s second attorney filed a motion to dismiss due to the alleged 

violation of Pineda’s right to a speedy trial, seeking only dismissal of the cases with prejudice. 

On April 28, 2014, immediately before jury selection, the trial court heard evidence and 

argument on Pineda’s speedy trial motion and the trial court denied the motion. Pineda’s cases 

were tried April 28-29, 2014. On April 29, 2014, at the conclusion of the State’s case-in-chief, 

Pineda re-urged his motion to dismiss due to the violation of his right to a speedy trial, which the 

trial court denied. The jury found Pineda guilty of both offenses. After a hearing on 

punishment, the trial court assessed Pineda’s punishment at forty-five days of confinement in the 

county jail in each case.

II. SPEEDY TRIAL

In issue one, Pineda argues the trial court erred when it denied his motion to dismiss the 

case due to the alleged violation of his right to a speedy trial. He argues there was a five-year 

delay, the State failed to offer any valid justification for the delay, he promptly asserted his right 

to a speedy trial, and prejudice should be presumed. He also argues the State failed to rebut the

presumption that his right to a speedy trial was violated. The State concedes that the five-year 

delay is sufficient to trigger a speedy trial analysis. The State responds that the reason for the 

delay was Pineda’s voluntary absence from the United States, Pineda was given a prompt trial 

 

2

The record does not show, nor do the parties provide an explanation as to why a new attorney was appointed for Pineda.
–4–

setting upon his first request for a trial, and there is no evidence of oppressive pretrial 

incarceration, anxiety, or concern and the delay did not prejudice Pineda’s ability to prepare a 

defense.

A. Standard of Review

When reviewing a trial court’s decision on a speedy trial claim, an appellate court applies 

a bifurcated standard of review. State v. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 818, 821 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999); 

State v. Jones, 168 S.W.3d 339, 345 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, pet. ref'd). An appellate court 

reviews legal issues de novo, but gives deference to a trial court’s resolution of factual issues. 

Gonzales v. State, 435 S.W.3d 801, 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014); Kelly v. State, 163 S.W.3d 722, 

726 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005); Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 345. The review 

of a speedy trial claim must be done in light of the arguments, information, and evidence that 

was available to the trial court at the time it ruled. Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809; Shaw v. State, 

117 S.W.3d 883, 889 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003); Dragoo v. State, 96 S.W.3d 308, 313 (Tex. Crim. 

App. 2003); Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 345. Under this standard of review, deference must be given 

not only to a trial court’s resolution of disputed facts, but also to the drawing of reasonable 

inferences from the facts. Kelly, 163 S.W.3d at 726. Deference must be given to a trial court’s 

findings, even when those findings do not turn on the assessment of credibility and demeanor. 

Kelly, 163 S.W.3d at 726.

“[An] appellate court must uphold the trial court’s ruling if it is supported by the record 

and is correct under the applicable law.” Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821; 

Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 345. However, if a violation of the defendant’s right to a speedy trial is 

established, the only possible remedy is dismissal of the prosecution. Strunk v. United States, 

412 U.S. 434, 440 (1973); Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 313; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 346.
–5–

B. Applicable Law

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and article I, section 10 of the 

Texas Constitution provide that the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial. U.S. CONST.

amend. VI; TEX. CONST. art. I, § 10. In determining whether a defendant has been denied his 

right to a speedy trial, a court must use a balancing test in which the conduct of both the State 

and the defendant are weighed. Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 530 (1972); Shaw, 117 S.W.3d 

at 888; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 313; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 346. The factors to be weighed in the 

balance are commonly referred to as the Barker factors. These factors include, but are not 

necessarily limited to: (1) the length of the delay; (2) the reason for the delay; (3) the defendant’s 

assertion of his speedy trial right; and (4) the prejudice to the defendant resulting from the delay. 

Doggett v. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 651 (1992); Barker, 407 U.S. at 530–32; Gonzales, 435 

S.W.3d at 808; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 313; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 346. 

No single Barker factor is necessary or sufficient to establish a violation of the right to a speedy 

trial. Barker, 407 U.S. at 533; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 313. The Barker

factors are “related” and “must be considered together with such other circumstances as may be 

relevant.” Barker, 407 U.S. at 533.

The first Barker factor, the length of delay, is a double inquiry. Doggett, 505 U.S. at 651. 

First, to trigger a speedy trial analysis, the defendant must allege the interval between accusation 

and trial has crossed the threshold dividing ordinary from presumptively prejudicial delay. 

Doggett, 505 U.S. at 651; Barker, 407 U.S. at 530; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889; Dragoo, S.W.3d at 

313; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 347. The length of delay is measured from the time the defendant was 

arrested or formally charged. Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889; Dragoo, 

96 S.W.3d at 313; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 346–47. Generally, a “delay approaching one year” is 

sufficient to trigger a speedy trial inquiry. Doggett, 505 U.S. at 652 n. 1; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 
–6–

889; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 314; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 347. Second, once the defendant has 

triggered a speedy trial analysis, the court must consider the extent to which the delay stretches 

beyond the bare minimum needed to trigger judicial examination of the claim. Doggett, 505 

U.S. at 652; Barker, 407 U.S. at 533–34; Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 

889; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 314; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 347. The presumption that the pretrial 

delay has prejudiced the defendant intensifies over time. Doggett, 505 U.S. at 652; Gonzales, 

435 S.W.3d at 809; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 347.

The second Barker factor is the State’s reason for the delay. Once a defendant has shown 

a presumptively prejudicial delay, the State has the burden of justifying the delay. Emery v. 

State, 881 S.W.2d 702, 708 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). The length of the delay can be “subdivided 

into justifiable and unjustifiable reasons depending on the circumstances of the case” and 

different weights must be assigned to the different reasons the State offers to justify the delay. 

See Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 809–10; see also Barker, 407 U.S. at 531; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 

889; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 314; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 347. “A deliberate attempt to delay the 

trial in order to hamper the defense should be weighed heavily against [the State].” Barker, 407 

U.S. at 531. A more neutral reason such as an overcrowded court docket is not a valid reason for 

delay and should be weighed against the State, although not heavily. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531; 

Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890. A valid reason for the delay, such as a missing witness, should not be 

weighed against the State at all. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 822. However, a 

delay which is attributable, in whole or in part, to the defendant may constitute waiver of a 

speedy-trial claim. Barker, 407 U.S. at 528–30; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 822. Nevertheless, where 

there is no evidence a defendant knew of the indictment or that the police were looking for him 

before leaving the country, the defendant cannot be faulted for the post-indictment delay. 

Doggett, 505 U.S. at 654 (defendant who was arrested in Panama and then subsequently left for 
–7–

Columbia after indictment could not be faulted for post-indictment delay because there was no 

evidence he was aware of the indictment or that the police had been looking for him); United 

States v. Ospina, 485 F. Supp. 2d 1357, 1360 (S.D. Fla. 2007) (second Barker factor weighed 

against government where defendant, who was unaware of charges pending against him, did not 

flee United States for Columbia, but was involuntarily deported by same Department of Justice 

that indicted him). Further, as a general rule, the speedy-trial right is not implicated when a 

defendant is detained on civil deportation charges. See United States v. De La Pena-Juarez, 214 

F.3d 594, 597–98 (5th Cir. 2000) (discussing Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161(b)).

The third Barker factor is the defendant’s assertion of his speedy-trial right. The more 

serious the deprivation of a defendant’s right to a speedy trial, the more likely he is to complain. 

Barker, 407 U.S. at 531; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890. A defendant’s assertion of his speedy-trial 

right, is entitled to strong evidentiary weight when a court determines whether he is being 

deprived of that right. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531–32; Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 810–11; Jones, 168 

S.W.3d at 348. A defendant’s motion to dismiss due to the denial of a speedy trial, rather than a 

motion affirmatively requesting a speedy trial, weakens the defendant’s speedy trial claim 

because it shows a desire to have no trial instead of a speedy trial. Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 348 

(citing Zamorano v. State, 84 S.W.3d 643, 651 n.40 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002)).

The fourth Barker factor is the prejudice to the defendant caused by the delay. This 

prejudice is assessed in light of the interests that the right to a speedy trial was designed to 

protect. Barker, 407 U.S. at 532; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 315; Jones, 

168 S.W.3d at 349. These interests are: (1) preventing oppressive pretrial incarceration; (2) 

minimizing anxiety and concern of the accused; and (3) limiting the possibility that the defense 

will be impaired. Doggett, 505 U.S. at 654; Barker, 407 U.S. at 532; Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 

812; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 315; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 349. Of these 
–8–

interests, the third is the most important because the inability of a defendant adequately to 

prepare his case skews the fairness of the entire system. Doggett, 505 U.S. at 654; Barker, 407 

U.S. at 532; Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 812; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 315; 

Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 349. 

When determining prejudice, the court determines whether the first three Barker factors 

weigh so heavily in favor of the defendant that prejudice is presumed. United States v. Reagan, 

725 F.3d 471, 487 (5th Cir. 2013); United States v. Bishop, 629 F.3d 462, 465 (5th Cir. 2010); 

Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 812. If witnesses die or disappear during a delay, the prejudice is 

obvious. Barker, 407 U.S. at 532. Also, excessive delay presumptively compromises the 

reliability of a trial in ways neither party can prove or identify. See Doggett, 505 U.S. at 655;

Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 812; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890; Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 315; Jones, 168 

S.W.3d at 349. However, generally, delays of less than five years are insufficient, by duration 

alone, to give rise to a presumption of prejudice and relieve the defendant of satisfying Barker’s 

fourth factor. Bishop, 629 F.3d at 466; Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 813 (discussing United States v. 

Cardona, 302 F.3d 494, 498 (5th Cir. 2002), which held five-year delay sufficient to absolve 

defendant of burden to prove prejudice). Even with the presumption of prejudice, the State may 

still prevail if the presumption of prejudice is extenuated as by the defendant’s acquiescence or 

persuasively rebutted. United States v. Molina-Solorio, 577 F.3d 300, 307 (5th Cir. 2009); see 

also Doggett, 505 U.S. at 658; Barker, 407 U.S. at 534–36; Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890; Dragoo, 

96 S.W.3d at 315; Jones, 168 S.W.3d at 349. In the absence of such a presumption, the 

defendant must affirmatively demonstrate prejudice. Reagan, 725 F.3d at 487; Molina-Solorio, 

577 F.3d at 307. 
–9–

C. Application of the Law to the Facts

On April 24, 2014, Pineda’s second attorney filed a motion to dismiss due to the violation 

of Pineda’s right to a speedy trial, seeking only dismissal of the cases with prejudice. In his 

motion, Pineda asserted that there was no evidence he absconded or knew of the pending 

charges, the State failed to diligently notify him of the charges or apprehend him, he bears no 

blame for the delay, and his ability to defend himself was impaired because memories have faded 

and the identity and location of witnesses who could have testified on his behalf are no longer 

available.

On April 28, 2014, immediately before jury selection, the trial court heard evidence and 

argument on Pineda’s speedy trial motion. Pineda and his wife, Ana Soto, testified during the 

hearing. Pineda stated that he was arrested on February 6, 2009, released on bond a few days 

later and transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, entered into 

a “voluntary deportation agreement” on February 17, 2009 and, approximately seven days later,

returned to Honduras. Also, he stated that his address from the time of his arrest until April 2014 

remained the same, he hired an attorney in February 2009, he did not receive the notices to 

appear, he was not contacted by his attorney, and he believed the cases against him had been 

resolved. Further, Pineda testified that due to the length of the delay, he did not have a good 

memory of what happened on the night of the accident, he did not have the ability to investigate 

the accident and resulting damage to the vehicles or determine whether there were any additional 

witnesses to the accident. However, Pineda admitted he did not hire an investigator, ask Soto to 

follow-up with his lawyer or an investigator while she remained in the United States, and that he 

knew leaving the country did not “absolve[] [him] of the crime.” Also, Pineda acknowledged 

that when he returned to the United States, he did not notify his probation officer, the bondsman, 

or the trial court. 
–10–

Soto confirmed that the address on file with the clerk’s office was the correct address. 

However she stated that she did not receive the notices of appearance. Soto acknowledged that 

she was aware Pineda was on community supervision for the prior D.W.I., but stated she did not

follow up on any of Pineda’s cases or ask an attorney or investigator to do so.

Pineda’s second attorney argued that Pineda was not to blame for the federal government 

removing him from the United States and the failure of the clerk’s office to send him the notices 

of appearance. He argued that Pineda did not abscond, but did everything he was told to do and 

“complied with all of the [] government regulations that were placed in front of him.” He argued 

the State failed to show “they did anything to actually prosecute this case” other than file a 

“warrant at large.” Further, Pineda’s second attorney argued, at this point, a medical expert 

would not be able to determine whether Pineda sustained a concussion as a result of the accident, 

an investigator would not be able to determine whether there were any additional witnesses, and 

he could not reconstruct the accident because the construction maps and schedules relating to the 

location of the accident were unavailable. Also, through Pineda’s testimony, his second attorney 

raised the concern that he did not have access to the vehicles to investigate and make a damage 

assessment.

The State’s response focused on the second and fourth factors of the Barker analysis. As 

to the second Barker factor, the State argued there was no deliberate attempt by the State to delay 

the trial. Rather, Pineda left the United States “of his own choice” pursuant to a “voluntary 

deportation agreement.” Also, the State argued Pineda did not notify his probation officer of a 

change in his address when he left the United States nor upon his illegal re-entry into the 

country. As to the fourth Barker factor, the State claimed that Pineda did not experience 

oppressive incarceration because he was in custody only eleven days before voluntarily departing 

the United States and less than thirty days while awaiting trial in 2014. Also, the State argued 
–11–

Pineda did not experience anxiety or concern because a “delay in a trial that might wind up 

having immigration consequences for him was actually in his best interest” since he had reentered the United States illegally. The State maintained Pineda was not prejudiced by the 

inability to present witnesses because he admitted the State’s witnesses, i.e., three police officers 

and three civilians, were the individuals with personal knowledge of the events and Pineda 

would have an opportunity to cross-examine them at trial.

After hearing the evidence and argument of counsel, the trial court denied Pineda’s 

motion to dismiss due to an alleged violation of his right to a speedy trial. Pineda’s cases were 

tried April 28-29, 2014. On April 29, 2014, at the conclusion of the State’s case-in-chief, Pineda 

re-urged his motion to dismiss due to the violation of his right to a speedy trial. No additional 

evidence was admitted and, after hearing argument, the trial court denied the motion.

1. Length of the Delay

First, we examine the first Barker factor—the length of the delay. Pineda was arrested on 

February 6, 2009. Pineda was charged by information in the accident case on April 9, 2009. 

Also, Pineda was charged by information in the D.W.I. case on April 29, 2009. A jury was 

selected on April 28, 2014 and Pineda was tried on April 28-29, 2014. There was approximately 

a five-year delay from the time Pineda was arrested until the time he was tried. The State 

concedes this delay was sufficient to trigger a speedy trial inquiry. See Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889 

(generally, one year delay sufficient to trigger speedy trial analysis). The presumption that the 

pretrial delay prejudiced Pineda intensifies with time. The pretrial delay in Pineda’s case 

stretches approximately four years beyond the minimum time delay necessary to trigger a speedy 

trial inquiry, which is generally twelve months. See Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 889 (39-month delay 

weighed heavily in favor of concluding speedy trial right violated). Consequently, this Barker

factor weighs in favor of concluding Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated. 
–12–

2. Reasons for the Delay

Second, we review the second Barker factor—the reasons for the delay. During the 

hearing, Pineda claimed that he did everything the government asked of him, i.e., voluntarily 

departing the United States, and the State was to blame for the five-year delay in bringing him to 

trial. He maintained that the State failed to provide the testimony of his probation officer from 

the first D.W.I. to show that the probation officer “reached out to [Pineda] after he disappeared 

in February 2009” or the police investigator to show what steps the State took to bring Pineda to 

justice. Further, it was his contention that “fil[ing] a warrant at large” was not sufficient. At the 

hearing on Pineda’s motion to dismiss, the State did not call any witnesses of its own to explain 

the delay. Instead, the State sought to rebut Pineda’s claim that the State acted in bad faith or 

deliberately attempted to delay the trial through its cross-examination of Pineda by showing he 

voluntarily left the country and re-entered illegally. Essentially, the reason for the delay in this 

case was the absence of Pineda due to his voluntary departure to Honduras. 

Pineda claimed he was unaware that the cases were active until his arrest in April 2014. 

However, during the hearing on his motion to dismiss, Pineda admitted that he has experience 

with the criminal justice system through his prior prosecution for D.W.I., which resulted in his 

community supervision, and he knew that he could not simply purchase an airplane ticket, leave 

the country, and have his “crime absolved.” Further, Pineda hired his first attorney in February 

2009 and that attorney filed a notice of appearance in the D.W.I. case on March 25, 2009. In 

addition, the trial court took judicial notice of its files in each case. In those files were the 

misdemeanor surety bonds signed by Pineda, which state, in part, “The Principal herein is 

charged with a Misdemeanor. The Principal and all sureties hereby bind themselves that the 

Principal will appear before the proper court or magistrate to answer the accusations against the 

Principal.”
–13–

Also, although the clerk’s record showed that notices of appearance were sent to Pineda 

at the address on file and Pineda failed to appear, during the hearing on his motion to dismiss, 

Pineda testified that he did not receive those notices nor was he contacted by his first attorney. 

However, Pineda admitted that he did not provide a change of address to his probation officer. 

Also, Soto stated that she did not receive any notices of appearance. However, Soto stated that

the address on file with the clerk’s office was the correct address and Pineda admitted that it was 

his address from the time of his arrest in February 2009 until the date of the hearing in April 

2014. Whether or not Pineda received the notices of appearance and was aware these cases 

remained active depends on the trial court’s determination of Pineda’s and Soto’s credibility. 

We defer to the trial court’s resolution of disputed facts and to the drawing of reasonable 

inferences from the facts. See Kelly, 163 S.W.3d at 726. 

Although it was not contested that Pineda voluntarily departed for Honduras, nothing in 

the record shows his exact locations during his absence from the location of the forum and 

Pineda made no showing that additional efforts would have been successful in securing his 

return. See People v. Murry, 857 N.Y.S.2d 59, 60 (N.Y. App. Div. 2008) (statutory right to 

speedy trial not violated, although People knew defendant was deported to Jamaica, they did not 

know his whereabouts, and defendant failed to appear for trial and bench warrants were issued, 

so period was excludable regardless of whether People used due diligence in attempting to locate 

defendant); People v. Perez, 279 Cal. Rptr. 915, 923 (Cal. Ct. App. 1991) (defendant, who did 

not know exact nature of charges, but was aware serious charges had been filed against him and 

fled prosecution to Venezuela, and made no showing additional efforts would have been 

successful in securing his return, waived right to speedy trial because reason for delay was 

absence of defendant, for which defendant alone was responsible); cf. Ospina, 485 F. Supp. 2d at

1360 (second Barker factor weighed against government where defendant, who was unaware of 
–14–

charges pending against him, did not flee United States for Columbia, but was involuntarily 

deported by same Department of Justice that indicted him). Further, this is a not a case where 

the State completely failed to attempt to contact Pineda. Because Pineda voluntarily departed the 

United States and failed to appear on February 19, 2010, and warrants and bond forfeiture 

capiases were issued, the period of time after February 19, 2010 and until his re-arrest on April 3, 

2014, is excludable, regardless of whether or not the State used due diligence in attempting to 

locate Pineda and return him for trial during that period. See Murry, 857 N.Y.S.2d at 60. On 

this record, we conclude the State cannot be held accountable for Pineda’s voluntary departure 

from the United States. Accordingly, the second Barker factor weighs against concluding 

Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated or is, at least, neutral.

3. Assertion of the Right to a Speedy Trial

Third, we address the third Barker factor—Pineda’s assertion of his right to a speedy 

trial. In April 2014, Pineda was arrested on multiple warrants and brought before the magistrate 

on April 4, 2014, within forty-eight hours of his arrest. Although his first attorney filed a notice 

of appearance in the D.W.I. case on March 25, 2009, Pineda first asserted his right to a speedy 

trial through his second attorney on April 24, 2014, four days before his trial. The motion was 

heard on April 28, 2014, immediately preceding jury selection. Further, Pineda’s motion 

requested only a dismissal due to the denial of speedy trial, rather than an affirmative request for 

a speedy trial, demonstrating he desired no trial instead of a speedy trial. See Jones, 168 S.W.3d 

at 348. Consequently, the third Barker factor weighs against the conclusion that Pineda’s right 

to a speedy trial was violated.

4. Prejudice Resulting from the Delay

Finally, we analyze the fourth Barker factor—the prejudice to Pineda resulting from the 

delay in light of the three interests protected by the speedy-trial right. Pineda contends that the 
–15–

length of his pretrial delay weighs in favor of concluding the delay was presumptively 

prejudicial. There was a five-year pretrial delay in these cases. Generally, delays of five years 

or more are sufficient to give rise to a presumption of prejudice and relieve the defendant of 

satisfying the fourth Barker factor. See Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 813 (discussing Cardona, 302 

F.3d at 498, which held five-year delay sufficient to absolve defendant of burden to prove 

prejudice); cf. Bishop, 629 F.3d at 466 (generally, delays of less than five years insufficient, by 

duration alone, to give rise to presumption of prejudice and relieve defendant of satisfying 

Barker’s fourth factor). As a result, we look to whether the State demonstrated Pineda’s 

acquiescence to the delay and persuasively rebutted the presumption of prejudice.

As to Pineda’s acquiescence, the State argues Pineda “should have known that his 

charges had not been resolved by simply paying for his plane ticket back to Honduras” and 

directs us to its argument with respect to the third Barker factor. We have already concluded that 

the third Barker factor weighs against the conclusion that Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was 

violated. 

To determine whether the State persuasively rebutted the presumption of prejudice, we 

examine the three interests the right to a speedy trial was designed to protect. The first interest 

protected by the speedy-trial right is the prevention of oppressive pretrial incarceration. Initially, 

we note that Pineda does not contend that he suffered oppressive pretrial incarceration. 

Nevertheless, during the hearing there was testimony that, after his arrest on February 6, 2009, 

Pineda was in custody for approximately three days until February 9, 2009, when he was 

released on bond and transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

See generally, De La Pena-Juarez, 214 F.3d at 597–98 (discussing Speedy Trial Act and noting, 

as a general rule, speedy-trial right not implicated when defendant detained on civil deportation 

charges). After entering into a “voluntary deportation agreement,” Pineda was released and left 
–16–

the United States for Honduras approximately seven days later. Pineda was not retuned to 

custody until he was re-arrested on April 3. 2014. After that, he remained in custody less than 

thirty days while awaiting trial. We conclude, in this case, the approximately thirty days Pineda 

was in custody does not constitute oppressive pretrial incarceration. Cf. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 

828 (17-month delay oppressive incarceration); Meyer, 27 S.W.3d at 650 (23-month delay 

oppressive incarceration).

The second interest protected by the speedy-trial right is the minimization of Pineda’s 

anxiety and concern. Again, we note that Pineda does not assert that he suffered anxiety or 

concern during the pretrial delay. The record shows that he was on community supervision for a 

prior D.W.I. and, after his voluntary departure he returned the United States illegally. During the 

hearing, Pineda testified that because he paid a bond and purchased an airline ticket to Honduras, 

he was under the impression these cases were resolved. See Gonzales, 435 S.W.3d at 812 

(because appellant did not know about indictment, he could have suffered little anxiety or 

concern). As to this second interest, we defer to the trial court’s implied finding that Pineda did 

not suffer or live under a cloud of anxiety and concern beyond the level normally associated with 

the charges brought against him in these cases. See Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 828–29. 

The third interest and most important interest protected by the speedy-trial right is the 

limitation of the possibility the defense will be impaired. Pineda claims that he was prejudiced 

by the delay because: (1) a medical expert would be unable to determine whether he sustained a 

concussion as a result of the accident; (2) memories have faded; (3) he did not have access to the 

vehicles to investigate and make a damage assessment; (4) he could not reconstruct the accident 

because the construction maps and schedules were unavailable; and (5) an investigator would not 

be able to determine whether there were any additional witnesses. The State points to its cross 

examination of Pineda as well as his testimony on direct examination by his second attorney to 
–17–

show it persuasively rebutted the presumption of prejudice by demonstrating Pineda’s defense 

was not impaired as result of the delay. 

First, with regard to the Pineda’s need for a medical expert to evaluate whether Pineda 

sustained a concussion as a result of the accident and claim that his memory had faded, the State 

points to the following testimony solicited by Pineda’s second attorney during the hearing, after 

ascertaining the airbag in Pineda’s vehicle deployed, as evidence rebutting his claim:

Attorney: You were stunned: right?

Pineda: Yes.

Attorney: You don’t even have a good memory of what happened that night?

Pineda: No, sir.

Attorney: Okay. The accident was severe enough that you actually just wandered 

off the scene?

Pineda: I just tried to sit down, get out and wait for the ambulance.

Attorney: Okay. And you were actually found in a field considerably away from the 

accident?

Pineda: On the side of the road.

The State points out that this testimony shows Pineda’s possible concussion was alleged to be the 

result of the accident, not the cause. Further, his fading memory was alleged to have been 

caused by his possible concussion, not the pretrial delay. We also note that Pineda was charged 

with D.W.I.

Second, with regard to the Pineda’s claims that he did not have access to the vehicles to 

investigate and make a damage assessment and he could not reconstruct the accident because the 

construction maps and schedules were unavailable, the State points to Pineda’s testimony that he 

hired an attorney in February 2009 and neither he nor Soto requested that his first attorney or an 

investigator investigate the charges.
–18–

Third, with regard to Pineda’s claim that an investigator would not be able to determine 

whether there were any additional witnesses, the State points to Pineda’s testimony on direct, 

cross, and redirect examination:

[Direct Examination]

Attorney: We have not been able to actually independently interview these witnesses 

because half of them can’t be found—

Pineda: Okay.

Attorney: —right? So your defense at this point is hampered because of this delay?

Pineda: Okay.

. . . .

[Cross Examination]

Prosecutor: And you testified a moment ago that half of the witnesses would be 

unavailable because of the time that has passed since the 2009 arrest?

Pineda: Yes.

Prosecutor: But all of the witnesses that would have personal knowledge of the offense 

other than yourself are State’s witnesses; is that right?

Pineda: Yes.

Prosecutor: So—if the State can bring forth all of those witnesses, then—then your 

defense is not being injured by an inability for witnesses to testify; is that 

right?

Pineda: Yes.

. . . .

[Redirect Examination]

Attorney: Were you able to try and canvass that neighborhood where the accident 

took place?

Pineda: No, sir.

Attorney: You don’t know if there’s any witnesses out there that saw this accident 

from the roadside?
–19–

Pineda: No, sir.

Attorney: And this wasn’t a deserted street; right? There was [sic] houses and 

apartments nearby?

Pineda: Yes.

Attorney: And when the government says that all the witnesses are here, they’re 

talking about their witnesses are here. On top of that, this accident—the 

air bag in the car actually deployed; right?

Pineda: Yes.

Key to this analysis is Pineda’s admission that “all of the witnesses who have personal 

knowledge of the offense were the State’s witness and if the State brings forth those witnesses 

his defense is not hampered.

Based on the record, we conclude the State demonstrated Pineda’s acquiescence to the 

delay and persuasively rebutted the presumption of prejudice. Consequently, the fourth Barker

factor weighs against the conclusion that Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated.

5. Balancing the Barker Factors

Now that we have addressed the four Barker factors, we must balance them. Weighing in 

favor of concluding Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated is the excessive delay. 

Weighing against concluding Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated is the State’s reason 

for the delay, Pineda’s acquiescence to the delay, and the State’s persuasive rebuttal of the 

presumption of prejudice. We conclude the four Barker factors, when balanced together, weigh 

against the conclusion that Pineda’s right to a speedy trial was violated.

Issue one is decided against Pineda.
–20–

III. CONCLUSION

The trial court did not err when it denied Pineda’s motion to dismiss the case due to the 

violation of his right to a speedy trial.

The trial court’s final judgments are affirmed.

Do Not Publish

TEX. R. APP. P. 47

140632F.U05

/Douglas S. Lang/

DOUGLAS S. LANG

JUSTICE
–21–

Court of Appeals

Fifth District of Texas at Dallas

JUDGMENT

EDWIN PINEDA, Appellant

No. 05-14-00632-CR V.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

On Appeal from the County Court at Law 

No. 4, Collin County, Texas

Trial Court Cause No. 003-81224-09.

Opinion delivered by Justice Lang. Justices 

Stoddart and Schenck participating.

Based on the Court’s opinion of this date, the judgment of the trial court is AFFIRMED.

Judgment entered this 21st day of July, 2015.
–22–

Court of Appeals

Fifth District of Texas at Dallas

JUDGMENT

EDWIN PINEDA, Appellant

No. 05-14-00633-CR V.

THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee

On Appeal from the County Court at Law 

No. 4, Collin County, Texas

Trial Court Cause No. 003-81225-09.

Opinion delivered by Justice Lang. Justices 

Stoddart and Schenck participating.

Based on the Court’s opinion of this date, the judgment of the trial court is AFFIRMED.

Judgment entered this 21st day of July, 2015.