State v. Mayes

¶1 Article II, Section 24, of the Montana Constitution, grants individuals accused of crimes the right to a speedy trial. At issue here is whether the right to a speedy trial is violated when, among other things, an accused is deprived of access to rehabilitation programs he would otherwise attend but for his unduly lengthy incarceration in county jail. After conducting a balancing of the applicable factors, the District Court found no violation. We reverse.1

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

¶2 Jack Dean Mayes (Mayes) has an extensive criminal record, including primarily drug offenses and…