– Why do people spend so much time in jail awaiting trial?

Question

I keep hearing about people in jail for 3+ years awaiting trial. If they’re ‘innocent until proven guilty’ I dont understand why they are confined. I thought there was a right to a speedy trial also or is that not really the case?

In: 235

Answer 1

You have a right to a speedy trial, but there are exceptions to this.

If defense counsel requests continuances, the time between those court appearance may not count.

The prosecution can also request extensions and they may be granted if they are deemed reasonable.