State v. Braunsdorf

We granted review in order to consider whether the trial courts of this state have the inherent authority to dismiss with prejudice a criminal case prior to the attachment of jeopardy. We conclude that, except for those situations in which a defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial is implicated, the trial court possesses no such inherent authority; and we therefore affirm the decision of the court of appeals.

Defendant-respondent-petitioner Sharon Braunsdorf (defendant) was charged with welfare fraud; and after a preliminary examination, the case was scheduled for a jury trial as…