United States v. Bell

DECISION

Before a general court-martial consisting of a military judge sitting alone, the accused was convicted, in accordance with his pleas, of use of heroin, and use and possession of marihuana, all at divers times. The approved sentence extends to a bad conduct discharge, confinement at hard labor for one year and one day, total forfeitures and reduction to airman basic.

On appeal, the accused asserts that he was denied his right to a speedy trial. We agree.

At trial, the accused moved to dismiss the charges for lack of speedy trial. He claimed that the Government unreasonably delayed the…