If you have been arrested and charged with criminal wrongdoing, you may be surprised at how long it might take to get criminal hearings or your trial underway. It may strike you as odd that you have been charged with a crime and must now wait with your fingers crossed until you are called in to see a judge, perhaps multiple times.
There are many reasons why criminal hearings and trials are delayed. Chances are that your criminal defense attorney will be able to explain exactly why delays are occurring in regards to your case specifically. But if you are anxious about what other factors may contribute to future delays, it may benefit you to learn about this phenomenon. Sometimes being mentally prepared for delays can make them more bearable.
Sometimes hearings and trials are delayed for administrative reasons. Changes in counsel, changes in venue, changes in judges and other alterations may have a significant bearing on the outcome of your case. When any significant change like venue or counsel occurs, delays tend to follow so that everyone involved in the case can adjust to the new situation.
In addition, other factors may contribute to delays. If a court is overburdened, it may simply not be able to address your hearing or trial until a much later date. In addition, you may have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation or other testing before a court deems you fit to stand trial. Finally, emergencies and urgent matters may simply render a judge or attorney unable to attend a hearing or trial until a pressing matter is resolved.
Source: Findlaw Blotter, “5 Reasons Criminal Trials Are Often Delayed,” Jan. 23, 2015
