Tunnell v. State

Anthony Marlin Tunnell v. State of Maryland No. 28, September Term 2019 Criminal Procedure – Speedy Trial – Deadline for Trial. Under a State statute and related court rule, a criminal trial in a circuit court must commence within 180 days of the defendant’s first appearance in that court or entry of appearance of defense counsel – a requirement often referred to as the “Hicks rule.” Under the Hicks rule, a trial may be continued from the scheduled trial date if the administrative judge (or designee) finds good cause for the continuance. Unless the defendant waives the Hicks rule, a failure…