State v. Huntley

Under Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 6-103(a)1 and Maryland Rule 4-271(a)(l),2 the trial in a circuit court criminal prosecution must begin no later than 180 days after the earlier of (1) the entry of the appearance of the defendant’s counsel or (2) the first appearance of the defendant before the circuit court. MD. CODE ANN. (2001, 2008 Repl.Vol.), CRIM. PROC. § 6-103(a); Md. Rule 4-271 (a)(1). We have held that the time limitation prescribed by the statute and the rule is “mandatory,” and that “dismissal of the criminal charges is the appropriate sanction where the State fails…