Bill > S0178

This bill establishes new speedy trial standards for criminal cases in Vermont, allowing a defendant to request the dismissal of charges if their trial doesn't begin within a specific timeframe after being charged. Specifically, for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses, a defendant can move to dismiss if the trial hasn't started within one year of the charge being filed, and for nonviolent felony offenses, the timeframe is two years. If such a motion is filed, the prosecutor must respond within 14 days, explaining any delays and potentially referencing factors like the offense's seriousness, harm caused, evidence, defendant's history, or impact on public confidence. If the prosecutor fails to respond, the court may dismiss the case. The bill also outlines various periods that would be excluded from these time calculations, such as delays due to other legal proceedings involving the defendant, the defendant's absence or unavailability, mental incompetence, dismissal and refiling of charges, joinder with a codefendant, court-granted continuances based on the "ends of justice," or agreements regarding guilty pleas.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.178