Opinion ID: 2538584
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Asserting the Right to a Speedy Trial

Text: The third factor we must consider is the accused's demand for a speedy trial. Id. at 571. It is undisputed that Appellant asserted his right to a speedy trial, both orally and in writing. This factor deserves some attention, though, because his assertion is entitled to strong evidentiary weight in determining whether [he] is being deprived of the right. Barker, 407 U.S. at 531-32, 92 S.Ct. 2182; see also Dunaway, 60 S.W.3d at 571. We first note that Appellant asserted his right to a speedy trial immediately when the trial court heard the Commonwealth's motion to obtain the DNA samples. He objected to the samples (citing speedy trial issues), and objected to the Commonwealth's motion for a continuance. Appellant reasserted his right several times, both orally and in writing, over the course of several months. Thus, we must weigh this factor in his favor. See, e.g., Soto v. Commonwealth, 139 S.W.3d 827, 844 (Ky.2004) (weighing this factor in the appellant's favor where he made a written demand for a speedy trial).