Opinion ID: 891601
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Pro Se Motion to Dismiss

Text: {36} Defendant asks this Court to consider whether the trial court erred in denying his pro se motion to dismiss for failure to comply with Rule 5-604 NMRA, regarding the time of commencement of trial. In this case, this Court granted three stipulated extensions pursuant to Rule 5-604. Defendant argues that he was never made aware of, and had not personally consented to any extensions. However, both the prosecutor and defense counsel consented to the extensions in an effort to adequately prepare for trial. {37} Defense counsel characterized Defendant's motion as an assertion of his right to a speedy trial, and the trial court evaluated Defendant's claim under the four-factor test set forth in State v. Coffin, 1999-NMSC-038, ¶ 55, 128 N.M. 192, 991 P.2d 477 (citing Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 530, 92 S.Ct. 2182, 33 L.Ed.2d 101 (1972) (balancing (1) the length of delay, (2) the reason for the delay, (3) defendant's assertion of his right, and (4) prejudice to the defendant)). The trial court ultimately concluded that the Barker factors did not weigh in favor of dismissal and denied Defendant's motion. {38} A district court weighing the four speedy-trial factors must make both factual determinations and legal conclusions. When reviewing a district court's denial of a motion to dismiss on speedy trial grounds, we give deference to the court's factual findings. State v. Maddox, 2008-NMSC-062, ¶ 8, 145 N.M. 242, 195 P.3d 1254. In this case, Defendant has not presented any factual evidence or legal authority to contradict the district court's denial of his pro se motion to dismiss based upon an alleged violation of his speedy trial rights. Accordingly, without more, we have no basis to find that Defendant's right to a speedy trial was violated, and conclude that the trial court did not err in denying Defendant's pro se motion.