Opinion ID: 1149229
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Did the delay actually impair Duplantis' ability to defend himself?

Text: ¶ 23. Notwithstanding the fact that this was the second time Duplantis had to construct a defense based upon these very same facts, he made numerous complaints to the trial court explaining the difficulties he was experiencing in preparing his defense and securing witnesses. Duplantis has failed, however, to explain how these difficulties would have been ameliorated by bringing his case before a jury more quickly. In fact, logic dictates the contrary to be true. The sooner that Duplantis was brought to trial, the less time he would have had to prepare an adequate defense. ¶ 24. The trial court recognized the time constraints in which Duplantis was working, and offered him a continuance so that he might have ample time to prepare his defense. Duplantis declined this continuance on the basis that if he were to accept the offer, he would lose his right to assert his speedy trial claim on appeal. Duplantis should have accepted. He cannot decline the trial court's offer to grant him more time to prepare a defense, and then argue to us that his defense was inadequate because he lacked time to prepare it. Furthermore, there is no indication in the record that the delay in bringing this case to trial impeded Duplantis' ability to present any witness material to his defense. Neither is there indication that the passing of time faded the memory of any defense witness. Duplantis' ability to defend himself has not been impaired.