People v. Sutton

Opinion

GEORGE, C. J.

Penal Code section 1382—one of the principal provisions implementing California’s statutory right to a speedy trial—provides that when a defendant charged with a felony is not brought to trial within 60 days of arraignment on an indictment or information (and the defendant has not expressly or impliedly consented to having trial set for a date beyond that period), the criminal charges against the defendant shall be dismissed unless there is “good cause” for the delay.

In the present case, on the 60th day after arraignment, the appointed counsel of one of two jointly charged…