State v. Crapo

This case as before us on the state’s bill of exceptions under G.L. 1956 (1969 Reenactment) §9-24-32 1 to a decision of a Superior Court justice granting defendant’s motion to dismiss an indictment against him on the ground that the defendant’s right to a speedy trial had been violated.

This appeal raises a novel question, namely, whether in the circumstances of this case, a pre-indictment delay of nearly three years was sufficient to justify dismissal of the indictment.

The transcript of the hearing on defendant’s motion to dismiss discloses the following pertinent facts. On September 10,…