How To Speed Up Your Criminal Court Case

Minnesota law requires that your case be brought to trial within sixty (60) days from the date of the demand for a speedy trial. This is a constitutional right. The time period does not begin to run until after the entry of a not guilty plea. A defendant can make the demand for a speedy trial either orally on the record at a court appearance or by filing a written demand for a speedy trial with the court.

If your case does not come up for trial within sixty (60) days from the date of the demand, you should file a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against you based on a denial of your constitutional right to a speedy trial. The courts look look to several factors when deciding whether or not good cause exists for the delay including whether or not a demand for a speedy trial was made and the reasons for the delay. A conjested court calendar is not considered good cause for the delay except in exceptional circumstances. Don't let the court system bog you down with endless court appearances, demand your right to a speedy trial.