State v. Hern

Opinion of the Court by

NAKAMURA, C.J.

In these consolidated appeals,1 the District Court of the First Circuit (District Court) dismissed the charges against Defendant-Appellant Dennis Hern (Hern) and Defendant-Appellant Joseph B.A. Ledbetter (Led-better) (collectively, “Defendants”) without prejudice for violation of the speedy trial requirements set forth in Hawai'i Rules of Penal Procedure (HRPP) Rule 48 (2000).2 HRPP Rule 48(b) provides that “the court shall, on motion of the defendant, dismiss the charge, with or without prejudice in its discretion, if trial is not commenced within” the…