Tampa Right to a Speedy Trial During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a defendant in a criminal case is afforded the right to a speedy trial. It is specified under the Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure that a defendant has the right to trial within 90 days of arrest if the crime charged is a misdemeanor, or 175 days of arrest if the crime charged is a felony. The coronavirus outbreak court shutdowns have pushed jury trials back, which could possibly be affecting your right to a speedy trial in Tampa. If you think your rights are being violated due to COVID-19, contact our Tampa attorneys at Pallegar Law, P.A. to help assist you in demanding your constitutional right.

Beginning March 13th, 2020 face-to-face legal proceedings were suspended under a statewide order issued, which affected Hillsborough County. This suspension has recently been extended to at least July 2^nd, in an effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. The Clerk of Courts has been working to provide resources such as telephonic and video hearings through the use of Zoom or Skype. It has proved difficult as they are working against the clock to ensure the constitutional rights are being maintained appropriately. All the while, the accused remain in disease-ridden jails, awaiting an unknown outcome as court staff tries to find an appropriate solution. If you are awaiting trial and have had your rights violated during this pandemic, contact us at the Tampa Pallegar Law, P.A. office. for assistance with your claim.

If you are not brought to trial within the above said time period and you have not waived your right, you may file a Notice of Expiration of Speedy Trial Time. If you are still not brought to trial within 10 days through no fault of your own, you can file a motion for your charges to be dismissed. This amendment was put into place to avoid lengthy imprisonment of an individual who could possibly be innocent; therefore, it is important that you contact an experienced lawyer to help work your case for the best possible outcome. The attorneys here at Pallegar Law, P.A. are ready to do just that, and are prepared to assist you in getting the justice you deserve. Do not wait any longer to have your rights restored.

Videoconferencing, virtual meetings, and extensions are all efforts that are being utilized to try and prevent the incrimination of your 6th amendment, but there is still a chance that your right has been impeded upon. If you have been victimized by the court justice system and have not been given a speedy trial, it is important that you report it to a lawyer who is capable of aiding your needs. In addition, if you have questions about how the coronavirus shutdowns might affect your case, seek out our attorney services. You are still afforded the right to a speedy trial in Tampa, regardless of the Coronavirus outbreak.

If you are someone you know feel as if your 6^th amendment rights have been violated, you should immediately seek help from one of our experienced Tampa attorneys at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 813.444.3912 for your free consultation.