Q: Can a victim of felony crimes demand a speedy trial?
A:
The right to a speedy trial is a right afforded to the Defendant in a criminal trial. This right comes from bot the United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution. The victim is not a party to a criminal case, he or she is a witness. It is up to the Commonwealth - through the prosecutor - to agree or object to any continuance requests and the ultimate decision rests with the Court/Judge as to werher or not a continuance will be granted. The prosecutor may also request continuances during the course of a criminal proceeding. The victim in a criminal case does have some rights, granted by statute. A summary of PA Victim's Rights can be found on this official government website: https://prdpcv.pwpca.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Your-Detailed-Rights-As-A-Crime-Victim.aspx
Unfortunately, the criminal court system can be slow at times and patience is required of all persons involved.
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