State v. Ossana

HALL, Chief Justice:

Defendant Thomas Ossana was found guilty of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for value in violation of Utah Code Ann. § 58-37-8 (Supp.1983) (amended 1985, 1986, & 1987). Defendant was charged by information on October 21, 1980, bút did not have a preliminary hearing until February 14, 1985, and was not brought to trial until April 23, 1985. Defendant thus assails his conviction on the grounds of lack of a prompt determination of probable cause and denial of speedy trial.

This case turns on its procedural facts. It is important to note…