People v. Washington

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

Order reversed, and the indictment dismissed. The seven-month delay between defendant’s felony indictment and his arrest constitutes a denial of the statutory right to a speedy trial (CPL 30.30, subd 1, par [a]).

The People contend that the delay was caused by "exceptional circumstances”, and hence falls within a statutory exception (CPL 30.30, subd 4, par [g]). They urge as an excuse an ongoing narcotics investigation. However, the proof of such investigation was deficient. No activity of any significance was *774shown, but only a variety of unsatisfactory excuses…