State v. Bloodsworth

Ellington, Judge.

The State appeals the trial court’s grant of defendant Joseph Heath Bloodsworth’s motion for discharge and acquittal pursuant to OCGA § 17-7-170 (b). See OCGA § 5-7-1; State v. Benton, 246 Ga. 132 (269 SE2d 470) (1980). The trial court found that the State failed to timely try Bloodsworth following the filing of his demand for a speedy trial. Because Bloodsworth’s demand was premature and a nullity, we reverse.

On August 11, 1998, a Gwinnett County police officer cited Bloodsworth for DUI and leaving the roadway. According to Bloods-worth’s citations and the property bond…