Opinion ID: 775404
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Remedy for STA Violation

Text: 135 This leaves the question of the appropriate remedy for the STA violation: dismissal of the charges against Scott without prejudice (so the government may proceed again) or with prejudice (foreclosing new proceedings). This Court may, in its discretion, decide the question itself or remand the question to the district court. Barnes, 159 F.3d at 16. In this case, we think it is quite clear that the dismissal should be without prejudice and see no reason to remand. 20 In addition, the determination of this issue by this Court would further the goals of judicial economy, and better serve the purposes of the STA -- protecting both defendants' rights to, and the public's interest in, the swift administration of justice. H.R. Rep. No. 96-390 at 3, reprinted in 1979 U.S.C.C.A.N. at 807. 136 In deciding whether the dismissal should be with or without prejudice, the STA directs the court to consider at least three factors: (1) the seriousness of the offense; (2) the facts and circumstances of the case which led to the dismissal; and (3) the impact of reprosecution on the administration of justice and on the administration of the STA. 18 U.S.C. § 3162(a)(2); see United States v. Hastings, 847 F.2d 920, 925-29 (1st Cir. 1988). In Barnes, this Court added a fourth factor to the nonexclusive list outlined in the statute itself: whether the delay resulted in actual prejudice to the defendant. 159 F.3d at 16. 137 First, Scott's offense was serious. Bank fraud is a serious offense which carries with it a maximum sentence of 30 years' imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1344. Second, the facts and circumstances of the delay do not show any bad faith on the part of the government. The delay was largely due to the district court, which acted without clear guidance by the law on the point. 138 Third, the impact of reprosecution on the administration of justice and on the STA does not call for dismissal with prejudice. It is clear that whenever the STA's requirements are not met, the administration of justice is adversely affected. Hastings, 847 F.2d at 926. The STA nevertheless asks the courts to consider the degree to which the administration of justice is harmed. Here, taking Scott's case through the justice system again would probably not take a long time. Scott, after all, filed a conditional guilty plea to the indictment before he pursued this appeal based on a STA violation. There are also no indications that reprosecution in this case would in some other way have a harmful effect on the fair and efficient administration of justice. Barnes, 159 F.3d at 17. Similarly, the impact on the administration of the STA also counsels against dismissal with prejudice. There is no question that a dismissal with prejudice would have a stronger deterrent effect than a dismissal without prejudice. However, the fact that there is a dismissal at all is deterrence enough in this case. 139 Finally, the delay resulting from reprosecution will not prejudice Scott. Scott has not yet begun to serve his sentence on this case, because it is to be served consecutively to his 96-month sentence on other indictments. Scott has also never asserted that the delay has adversely affected his ability to prepare for trial. For all these reasons, the charges against Scott will be dismissed without prejudice. 140 Although the charges against Scott in this case must be dismissed without prejudice, it is likely the charges will be brought anew and the remaining issues recur. For this reason, we deal with the remaining issues presented by the appeal.