Capers v. State

ADKINS, Judge.

Maryland Code (1957, 1987 Repl. Yol.), Article 27, § 591 and Maryland Rule 4-271 both require that a criminal case in a circuit court of this State be tried not later than 180 days after the earlier of the first appearance of the defendant in court or the appearance of counsel. Both statute *515and rule authorize a county administrative judge or that judge’s designee to postpone a trial date beyond the 180-day period if good cause is shown. For over 10 years it has been clear “that dismissal is ordinarily the appropriate sanction for violation of” the 180-day requirement. State v.…