Opinion ID: 2381550
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Due Process and Speedy Trial Claims

Text: D.H. argues that the government's failure to file a petition for more than one year after the complaint was received and dismissed violated his due process rights. Relying upon a case from the New York Family Court, In re Gifford, 113 Misc.2d 532, 449 N.Y.S.2d 598, 600 (Fam.Ct.1982), he contends that a violation of the specific statutory time frames violate due process. In Gifford, the court dismissed a delinquency petition as untimely, holding that violation of certain specific pre-accusatory statutory procedures violated due process, considering the goals of the juvenile statute and its emphasis on prompt adjudications. Id., 449 N.Y.S.2d at 609. The Gifford decision is based upon an analysis of the New York statute. The New York Family Court was persuaded that the delay in filing of the delinquency petition for eleven months in violation of the statute defeated the statutory purpose and violated fundamental principles of fairness and due process. We find this argument unpersuasive because our decision must be guided by our own statutory scheme. Our analysis in Part II A. of this opinion concludes that our own statute does not require automatic dismissal or preclude the filing of the petition after a dismissal of the case without prejudice. Rather, the court has the authority to dismiss when, in the exercise of an informed discretion, it finds that dismissal is required in the interest of justice and consistent with the welfare of the child. See District of Columbia v. D.E.P., supra at 832. Juvenile Rule 48(b), which allows the court to dismiss the petition in the interest of justice and the welfare of the child, sets forth as a factor for consideration [u]necessary delay in the filing of a petition or in bringing a respondent's case to hearing or disposition. In this respect, the rule is similar to the corresponding criminal rule. The criminal rule provides: If there is unnecessary delay in presenting the charge to a grand jury or in filing an information against a defendant who has been held to answer to the Court, or if there is unnecessary delay in bringing a defendant to trial, the Court may dismiss the indictment, information or complaint. Super.Ct.Crim.R. 48(b). Neither the criminal rule nor the corresponding juvenile rule mandates dismissal. We have held that dismissal with prejudice under Super.Ct.Crim.R. 48(b) must be for valid reasons reflecting a denial of speedy trial. United States v. Cummings, 301 A.2d 229, 230 (D.C.1973); United States v. Mack, 298 A.2d 509, 510 (D.C.1972). The trial court must make an informed and carefully balanced judgment based on factors relevant to that constitutional right. Cummings, 301 A.2d at 230 (citing Mack, supra, 298 A.2d 509). Neither the United States Supreme Court nor this court has considered whether a juvenile has a constitutional right to a speedy trial in a delinquency proceeding. Such proceedings are not criminal prosecutions within the meaning of the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right to a speedy trial. [14] See In re A.L.M., 631 A.2d 894, 898 (D.C.1993) (guarantees under the Sixth Amendment do not apply directly to juvenile adjudications of delinquency.) (citing McKeiver v. Pennsylvania, 403 U.S. 528, 541, 91 S.Ct. 1976, 1984, 29 L.Ed.2d 647 (1971); In re C.B.N., 499 A.2d 1215, 1218 n. 3 (D.C.1985)). The juvenile system is not a criminal system. It is one which has as its primary focus the welfare and rehabilitation of the child rather than simply that child's factual guilt or innocence. In re M.C.F., supra, at 877 (D.C.1972). However, we have held that a juvenile respondent [has] a right to counsel based on the due process protection afforded by the Fifth Amendment. A.L.M., 631 A.2d at 898 (citing In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 47, 87 S.Ct. 1428, 1454, 18 L.Ed.2d 527 (1967)). Of course, a child alleged to be delinquent has a statutory right to counsel at all critical stages of the proceedings. D.C.Code § 16-2304(a) (1989 Repl.). We have no similar statutory provision prescribing the right to a speedy trial or time restrictions within which a trial in a delinquency case must be held. There is in effect Juv.R. 48(b) which authorizes the trial court to consider, in determining whether to dismiss a petition, any unnecessary delay in filing or in bringing the respondent to hearing or disposition. Appellant argues that due process protects juveniles against undue delay in juvenile proceedings in order to secure the statutory purpose. The government does not contend otherwise. A primary goal of the juvenile system is protection of the child through treatment and rehabilitation, a goal best achieved by prompt disposition directed toward effectuating it. See Jerry M., supra, 580 A.2d at 1278; see also Senate Report at 16. It follows that the right of the juvenile in the system to a speedy hearing and disposition, consistent with the statutory purpose, requires due process protection. Courts from other jurisdictions have concluded, based upon the federal constitution, state constitutions, and/or court rules of procedure, that juveniles have a right to a speedy trial. See, e.g., In re Interest of C.T.F., 316 N.W.2d 865, 868 (Iowa 1982) (constitutions of United States and Iowa provide juveniles the right to speedy trial in delinquency proceedings); In re Welfare of J.D.P., 410 N.W.2d 1, 3 (Minn.App.1987) (delay of trial beyond period set by rules of procedure for juvenile court triggers analysis under balancing test in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 92 S.Ct. 2182, 33 L.Ed.2d 101 (1972)). We hold that a child has a due process right to a fair trial, including a speedy one, consistent with the statutory purpose of the juvenile code, and consonant with the protection of the child and the community. The more difficult question is how a due process right to a speedy disposition applies in the context of a juvenile proceeding where there is at issue not only the interest of justice, but also the welfare and protection of the child. Some guidance may be gleaned from consideration of the speedy trial issue in criminal cases. In that context, we apply a now familiar multi-factor balancing test in determining whether a defendant's right to a speedy trial has been violated, namely: 1) length of delay; 2) reasons for delay; 3) defendant's assertion of the right; and 4) prejudice to the defendant as a result of the delay. Barker, supra, 407 U.S. at 530, 92 S.Ct. at 2192; Dickerson v. United States, 650 A.2d 680, 684 (D.C.1994); Graves v. United States, 490 A.2d 1086 (D.C.1984) (en banc), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1064, 106 S.Ct. 814, 88 L.Ed.2d 788 (1986). The Supreme Court and this court have held that the right to a speedy trial is triggered by arrest, indictment or other formal accusation. Doggett v. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 650, 112 S.Ct. 2686, 2690, 120 L.Ed.2d 520 (1992); United States v. MacDonald, 456 U.S. 1, 6-7, 102 S.Ct. 1497, 1500-01, 71 L.Ed.2d 696 (1982); Graves, 490 A.2d at 1091. Where a charge is dismissed and then refiled, the period between dismissal and refiling does not count for speedy trial purposes. United States v. Loud Hawk, 474 U.S. 302, 310-12, 106 S.Ct. 648, 653-55, 88 L.Ed.2d 640 (1985); MacDonald, 456 U.S. at 8-9, 102 S.Ct. at 1502-03; Dickerson, 650 A.2d at 684. The four Barker factors are interrelated and must be considered together with such other circumstances as may be relevant in the difficult and sensitive balancing process by which the court determines whether a defendant's speedy trial right has been denied. Barker, supra, 407 U.S. at 533, 92 S.Ct. at 2193. The trial court's findings in balancing the four factors will not be disturbed unless they are plainly wrong or without evidence to support them. Graves, 490 A.2d at 1091. Although the factors used in evaluating speedy trial claims for criminal defendants are instructive, for purposes of consideration of a claim of a juvenile in a delinquency proceeding, they must be considered and applied in a manner which is consistent with the goals and purposes of our juvenile system. Thus, we cannot say that in every case speedy trial rights for juvenile offenders are necessarily co-extensive with those for adult criminal defendants. Our analysis of appellant's claim is informed by these considerations. The five month period between the filing of the petition and D.H.'s trial might not warrant analysis under Barker and its progeny. Barker, supra, 407 U.S. at 530, 92 S.Ct. at 2192 (there is no necessity for inquiry into other factors until there is some presumptively prejudicial delay); Townsend v. United States, 512 A.2d 994, 998 (D.C.1986), cert. denied, 481 U.S. 1052, 107 S.Ct. 2188, 95 L.Ed.2d 843 (1987) (delay of a year or more gives prima facie merit to speedy trial claim); United States v. Bolden, 381 A.2d 624, 627 (D.C.1977). The Supreme Court has stated that to trigger a speedy trial analysis, an accused must allege that the interval between accusation and trial has crossed the threshold dividing ordinary from presumptively prejudicial delay ... since, by definition, he cannot complain that the government has denied him a speedy trial if it has, in fact, prosecuted his case with customary promptness. Doggett, supra, 505 U.S. at 651-52, 112 S.Ct. at 2690 (quoting Barker, supra, 407 U.S. at 530-31, 92 S.Ct. at 2192). Appellant argues that in a juvenile case, the length of the delay should relate to the goal of effective and timely rehabilitation. He contends that in light of the legislative history of the juvenile code, a trial delay of more than 30 days should give prima facie merit to a speedy trial claim and shift to the government the burden of justifying the delay. Although Congress incorporated some time limitations into the juvenile code, it deliberately omitted statutory limitations on factfinding and disposition hearings. Senate Report at 16. However, the Senate conferees agreed generally that as a matter of general policy and for most juvenile cases, it would be desirable, and expected in the long run that there would be a factfinding hearing within 30 days for custody cases, and 60 days for community cases (children not in custody). Id. At the same time, in specifying time limitations for other actions related to juvenile proceedings, the Senate conferees stated that they did not recommend enforcement by dismissal because of the potential detriment to society and the juvenile system. Id. Even where time limitations are imposed, the statute provides that they must be reasonably construed by the Division for the protection of the community and of the child. D.C.Code § 16-2330(a). Absent any time provisions governing factfinding hearings in delinquency cases, and considering this legislative history and the statutory purposes of protection of the community and the child through rehabilitation, we decline to impose a thirty or sixty day period as one triggering a presumption of prejudice in a case charging a juvenile with murder. The adoption of such an arbitrary timetable, particularly without the benefit of an adequate record, would not serve the goals of the juvenile justice system. [15] Assuming for the sake of argument that a five month delay between the filing of the petition and trial requires an examination of the other Barker factors, weighing the other factors, and considering the interest of justice and the protection of the child, we conclude that there is no basis for dismissal of the petition for violation of appellant's due process right to a speedy trial. Appellant contends that the length of the delay in the speedy trial analysis should include the period of time following dismissal of the case and the filing of the petition about one year later. Under the Sixth Amendment, no speedy trial right arises until charges are pending. MacDonald, supra, 456 U.S. at 7, 102 S.Ct. at 1501. Thus, [t]he period between the dismissal and reindictment is not considered when evaluating the Sixth Amendment speedy trial claim. Dickerson, supra, 650 A.2d at 684; MacDonald, 456 U.S. at 7, 102 S.Ct. at 1501. However, any undue delay will be considered under the Due Process Clause. Id. Appellant contends that the holding in MacDonald, that the Speedy Trial Clause has no application after the government dismisses, applies only where the government dismisses in good faith, which the government did not do here. See id. The trial court found that the government, while negligent, did not act in bad faith in this case. We find no reason to disturb that finding. Therefore, assuming for the sake of argument that the MacDonald rule applies only where the government dismisses in good faith, as appellant contends, in light of the trial court's finding, the rule would apply in this case. Appellant argues that the government acted in bad faith in delaying the filing of the petition in order to gain the tactical advantage of extending the time for filing under D.C.Code § 16-2305(d). We do not view the government's inability to file the petition only two days after the case was referred by the United States Attorney's Office, which resulted in the sanction of dismissal without prejudice, as evidencing a lack of good faith. The ACC represented at the hearing that the government required additional time to determine whether D.H. should be prosecuted as an adult or remain in the juvenile system. See D.C.Code § 16-2307(a)(1) (1989 Repl. & 1995 Supp.). [16] This is a weighty decision. The Corporation Counsel is also required by law to inquire into the facts and make a determination of the legal basis for the petition before filing it. D.C.Code § 16-2305(c). Although the case had been investigated, no doubt, by the United States Attorney, the investigation by an officer of the federal government does not relieve the Corporation Counsel of its responsibility, as imposed by the statute, to make an independent determination concerning whether to petition the case. Appellant has failed to show that the trial court erred in finding that the government's delay in petitioning the case after the initial dismissal resulted from more than negligence. We have said that with the possible exception of a showing of severe prejudice from pre-arrest delay, such delay will not support a due process claim when the government's actions have been negligent, but not reckless or intentional. Smith v. United States, 414 A.2d 1189, 1195 (D.C.1980); Robinson v. United States, 478 A.2d 1065, 1066 (D.C.1984). [17] Prejudice to the accused is a factor to be considered in the speedy trial analysis. In a criminal prosecution, this factor is generally viewed in light of the harm the speedy trial requirements address, namely: (1) to prevent oppressive pretrial incarceration; (2) to minimize anxiety of the defendant; and (3) to limit the possibility of impairment of the defense, the most important. Dickerson, supra, 650 A.2d at 686 (citations omitted). D.H. claims that he was prejudiced in his ability to prepare his defense because possible witnesses who may have been in a building and a gas station across from the murder scene are unavailable or inaccessible, since the building and gas station have been torn down. The government responds that this showing is insufficient to demonstrate actual prejudice because D.H. did not proffer how the possible witnesses would have helped the defense. It is insufficient for a defendant merely to assert that a witness, who has now become unavailable, was necessary to the preparation of his defense. An appellant must offer some support for his assertion that the absence of these witnesses actually prejudiced his defense. Taylor v. United States, 471 A.2d 999, 1003 (D.C.1983) (citations omitted) (citing Reed v. United States, 383 A.2d 316, 320 (D.C.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 871, 99 S.Ct. 203, 58 L.Ed.2d 183 (1978)). D.H. produced no evidence respecting the potentially exculpatory testimony that these witness would have delivered. See id. Since D.H. neither claimed nor made any proffer showing how any unavailable, unknown witnesses would have aided his defense nor any efforts that he has made to identify them otherwise, he has not supported adequately his claim that this resulted in denying him a fair trial. Appellant contends that the court should consider prejudice not only to a juvenile's right to a fair trial, but more importantly, to the detrimental impact that a delay may have upon his right to rehabilitative treatment. Assuming for the sake of argument that a juvenile has a due process right to rehabilitative treatment, the circumstances do not support the claim of that particular prejudice in this case. At the time of the commission of the offense and at the time that the case was dismissed initially, D.H. was already a committed juvenile, and he had another case pending. [18] He was arrested as a juvenile in an unrelated case on November 11, 1989 and detained. Following revocation of his probation in a prior case where he had been adjudicated delinquent, he remained in committed status at the Children's Center until the commitment expired August 1990. Theoretically, he was receiving, or at least was entitled to receive, rehabilitative services as a result of that commitment. [19] We cannot discern that D.H. was deprived of rehabilitative treatment consistent with his individual needs during his commitment as a result of the government's failure to file a petition in this case sooner. [20] D.H. seems to argue that prejudice should be presumed whenever the government delays filing a delinquency petition because the natural consequence is that any needed treatment will be postponed. While this approach has some appeal, in the context of evaluation of a juvenile's claim of denial of due process, it is unworkable because not every case will result in actual prejudice of the type which rises to the level of denial of due process. Therefore, the facts and circumstances of each case must be examined to determine the nature of any claimed deprivation and the extent of the prejudice. Here, appellant has shown no actual prejudice resulting from the delay of some six months between the time that he was released from his prior commitment and the time that the petition was filed and the trial held. Appellant points out that he was almost eighteen at the time of the disposition in this case, and whatever services were provided him at that time would not be an adequate substitute for what he would have received if the adjudication had occurred closer to the time that he committed the offense. [21] We cannot dispose of the issue on this assumption. It is incumbent upon one claiming this particular prejudice to present facts to the trial court which demonstrate the nature of the prejudice claimed. On this record, we can not say that the prejudice factor weighs significantly in D.H.'s favor. In summary, applying the Barker factors to appellant's speedy trial claim, we must reject it. First, considering the length of the delay, eliminating from the equation the time that no charges were pending in this case against appellant, [22] the interval between the filing of the petition and trial was not unduly lengthy. Second, the reasons for the government's delay were found to be negligent and not deliberate and for the purpose of gaining some tactical advantage; therefore, such delay would fall within an intermediate category between neutral and more culpable and weigh less heavily against the government. See Graves, supra, 490 A.2d at 1092. Third, appellant has not shown actual prejudice as a result of the delay. The fourth factor, assertion of the right, does not weigh significantly in appellant's favor. Although appellant moved to dismiss the charges because the government delayed in petitioning the case from February 1990 to February 1991, appellant did not move for a prompt trial. The failure to move for a prompt trial as an alternative to dismissal weakens a speedy trial claim on appeal. Id. at 1101. Thus, balancing the Barker factors, and considering the objectives of the juvenile system, we cannot say that appellant is entitled to dismissal of the case on due process grounds for denial of a speedy trial. While not condoning the government's delay in petitioning this serious case, on this record, for the reasons previously stated, we find no basis for reversal of the trial court's order denying dismissal.