State v. Cooper

This is yet another appeal—with the attendant cost of attorney's fees, trial and appellate court judicial time and needless trial delay—where the sole issue is when does the speedy trial time frame begin to run on a misdemeanor traffic offense? It arises because the court rule does not define what is meant by "date of appearance."

The facts of this case are:

1. April 7, 1979, defendant Michalovskis was arrested and cited for driving while intoxicated.

2. April 7. He was released by the police on his personal recognizance after promising in writing to contact the court within 7 days, which would…