Opinion
24-cr-103 (ECT/TNL)
05-20-2024
United States of America, Plaintiff, v. Steven John Sokel, Defendant.
ORDER
Tony N. Leung United States Magistrate Judge
This matter comes before the Court on Defendant Steven John Sokel's Motion for Continuance of Motion Filing Date and Motion Hearing, ECF No. 37. Defendant also filed a Statement of Facts in Support of Exclusion of Time Under Speedy Trial Act, ECF No. 38.
Defendant requests a 60-day extension of time to file pretrial motions and a continuance of the June 6, 2024 motions hearing. Defendant states that he and his attorney “need additional time to review the discovery and discuss options before filing motions.” ECF No. 37 at 1. The Government has no objection to the requested extension.
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h), the Court finds that the ends of justice served by granting a continuance outweigh the best interests of the public and Defendant in a speedy trial and such continuance is necessary to provide Defendant and his counsel reasonable time necessary for effective preparation and to make efficient use of the parties' resources.
Based on all the files, records, and proceedings herein, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Defendant's Motion for Continuance of Motion Filing Date and Motion Hearing, ECF No. 37, is GRANTED.
2. The period of time from the date of this Order through July 15, 2024, shall be excluded from Speedy Trial Act computations in this case.
3. All motions in the above-entitled case shall be filed and served consistent with Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 12(b) and 47 on or before July 15, 2024. D. Minn. LR 12.1(c)(1). Two courtesy copies of all motions and responses shall be delivered directly to the chambers of Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung.
4. Counsel shall electronically file a letter on or before July 15, 2024, if no motions will be filed and there is no need for a hearing.
5. All responses to motions shall be filed by July 29, 2024. D. Minn. LR 12.1(c)(2).
6. Any Notice of Intent to Call Witnesses shall be filed by July 29, 2024. D. Minn. LR 12.1(c)(3)(A).
7. Any Responsive Notice of Intent to Call Witnesses shall be filed by August 1, 2024. D. Minn. LR 12.1(c)(3)(B).
8. A motions hearing will be held pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 12(c) where:
a. The Government makes timely disclosures and a defendant pleads particularized matters for which an evidentiary hearing is necessary; or
b. Oral argument is requested by either party in its motion, objection or response pleadings.
9. If required and subject to further order of the Court, the motions hearing shall be heard before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung on August 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in Courtroom 9W, Diana E. Murphy U.S. Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota 55415. D. Minn. LR 12.1(d).
10. TRIAL: The trial date, and other related dates, will be rescheduled following the ruling on pretrial motions. Counsel must contact the Courtroom Deputy for District Judge Eric C. Tostrud to confirm the new trial date.