Duran v. Eichwald

OPINION

{1} We are faced in this case with the difficult task of dismissing a criminal prosecution without a trial on the merits because of the prosecution’s failure to bring this matter to trial in a timely manner. The charges of child abuse alleged in this case are, of course, serious ones, which we do not dismiss lightly. But for the reasons set forth below, we conclude that dismissal is the only option available to us under the circumstances of this ease. We nevertheless take this opportunity to express our dissatisfaction with the procedural dilemma posed by this case and take steps to…