Opinion ID: 886445
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Speedy Trial Concerns

Text: ¶ 28 Admittedly, we are uncertain whether the speedy trial concerns would have independently moved the court to deny the continuance. Nonetheless, as indicated by the following, the record suggests that the issue was one factor which contributed to the court's determination: Mr. Garcia has been ... incarcerated since 1997 with respect to this charge, and the Court is very concerned about ... [that], even if he were to waive speedy trial. I think that's a concern that is clear from reading the decisions of the Montana Supreme Court regarding speedy trial and possible prejudice. In other words, this Court must consider the fact that the Defendant has been incarcerated and will continue to be incarcerated up to any trial date. .... While Mr. Garcia may be willing to waive speedy trial, what that means is he is going to be sitting in jail until this Court can find a trial date.... I am ... acutely aware of the concerns that have been expressed by the Montana Supreme Court with regard to speedy trial issues where a defendant is sitting in jail. ¶ 29 Both the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article II, Section 24 of the Montana Constitution guarantee criminal defendants the right to a speedy trial. The right to a speedy trial was primarily designed to protect defendants from oppressive tactics by the prosecution. State v. Gould (1995), 273 Mont. 207, 216, 902 P.2d 532, 538. Thus, case law demonstrates that it is the defendant's prerogative to assert or waive the prescribed right. See, e.g., State v. Weeks (1995), 270 Mont. 63, 72, 891 P.2d 477, 483; State v. Fife (1981), 193 Mont. 486, 490, 632 P.2d 712, 715. ¶ 30 We commend the District Court on its concern for Garcia's welfare. However, Garcia, on more than one occasion, agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial to secure private counsel. Implicit in this waiver was the voluntary assumption of the consequences. Further, neither party calls into question the validity of the proposed relinquishment. As such, the waiver's implications should not have factored into the District Court's deliberations on Garcia's motion to continue.