People v. Lown

This case requires us to clarify the correct interpretation of the statutory “180-day rule” established by MCL 780.131 and MCL 780.133. The object of this rule is to dispose of new criminal charges against inmates in Michigan correctional facilities; the rule requires dismissal of the case if the prosecutor fails to commence action on charges pending against an inmate within 180 days after the Department of Corrections (DOC) delivers notice of the inmate’s imprisonment. We reaffirm that the rule does not require that a trial be commenced or completed within 180 days of the date notice was…