Opinion ID: 414310
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Application of Section 3162(a)(1)

Text: 19 After deciding that it had to determine whether the complaint should have been dismissed with or without prejudice, the trial court considered the three factors listed in section 3162(a)(1), as well as other factors. The court found that defendant's crime was relatively serious, that the government's exceeding the time limit was unintentional and is unlikely to recur, that the delay beyond the time limit was short, and that defendant suffered little prejudice. Weighing these factors, the court found that the complaint should have been dismissed without prejudice. 20 Section 3162(a)(1) makes it clear that the trial court has discretion to dismiss the complaint with or without prejudice and that the court may consider factors other than the ones listed in the section: In determining whether to dismiss the case with or without prejudice, the court shall consider, among others, each of the following factors .... See United States v. Brainer, 691 F.2d 691, 699 (4th Cir.1982) (recognizing that the district court has discretion to dismiss with or without prejudice); Frase, supra, at 705. But see United States v. Iaquinta, 515 F.Supp. 708, 712 (N.D.W.Va.1981) (stating that dismissal without prejudice should be granted only in rare instances), rev'd on other grounds, 674 F.2d 260 (4th Cir.1982). Prejudice to the defendant is one of the factors that the district court may consider. 120 Cong.Rec. 41,794-95 (1974) (colloquy between Rep. Dennis and Rep. Cohen); Frase, supra, at 705. In the present case the trial court did not place undue emphasis on the lack of prejudice to defendant, but rather weighed this factor along with the others. Also, the court did not err in using the punishment prescribed by statute for possessing stolen mail matter as a measure of the severity of the crime. The trial court properly exercised its discretion in identifying and weighing the various factors and in determining that the complaint should have been dismissed without prejudice.