Q: Felony trial timeframe for unlawful sexual contact with minor under 13 in Delaware.
I have been facing a felony charge of unlawful sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13 in Delaware and attended an arraignment in April 2024 where I waived the arraignment. It's been a year since the charge was filed, and I am represented by a public defender. Since the arraignment, I have not received any updates or communication regarding the status of my trial. How long does it typically take for such a case to go to trial in Delaware?
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A:
The timeframe for a felony trial in Delaware can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, court schedules, and whether the prosecution or defense requests delays. Generally, criminal cases in Delaware should go to trial within a reasonable time, but it can sometimes take many months or even longer for certain cases to be resolved. Given that it's been about a year since your arraignment, it's not uncommon for such cases to take time to progress through the legal system.
Since you waived the arraignment, it’s possible that the court or your public defender is waiting for the right time to move forward with trial preparations. However, if you haven’t heard any updates, it may be a good idea to reach out to your public defender and ask for clarification about the next steps. They should be able to give you a more specific timeline and let you know if there are any delays or if the case is approaching trial.
If you're concerned about the lack of communication, don’t hesitate to follow up with your attorney. Staying informed about your case is important, especially for a serious charge like unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Your attorney can also explain any potential legal actions you can take to help move the case along or address any concerns you might have.
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