State v. Lattisaw

The State appeals an order of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County dismissing indictments against appellees Lesley Lattisaw and Arthur Keeling. The circuit court took that action because, in contravention of Maryland Rule 746a, those appellees were not brought to trial within 180 days after the first appearance of counsel on their behalf. The issue before us is not whether there was a violation of the 180-day requirement — that is conceded — but rather whether, under the circumstances evident in this record, dismissal of the indictments was an appropriate sanction. We think not and…