Opinion ID: 2277346
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Ark. R.Crim. P. 28.1

Text: Appellant asserts he was not released at nine months pursuant to Ark. R.Crim. P. 28.1(a), and that therefore charges against him should be dismissed with prejudice. Appellant's argument is meritless. McDole raises this issue on direct appeal after trial and conviction, and it is therefore moot. Simpson v. Sheriff of Dallas County, 333 Ark. 277, 968 S.W.2d 614 (1998). As our cases make clear, a person held in violation of Rule 28.1(a) is only entitled to release on his or [her] own recognizance, not dismissal of the charges or absolute discharge. (Citations omitted.) Simpson, supra, at 284, 968 S.W.2d 614. Appellant further argues that the trial court should have recused in that it did not address the issue of his pretrial release. The decision to recuse is within the trial court's discretion, and it will not be reversed absent abuse. Turner v. State, 325 Ark. 237, 926 S.W.2d 843 (1996). An abuse of discretion can be proved by a showing of bias or prejudice on the part of the trial court. Id. at 244, 926 S.W.2d 843. Appellant has made no such showing.