Opinion
7:22-CR-63 (WLS-TQL-1)
08-21-2023
ORDER
W. LOUIS SANDS, SR. JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Before the Court is a Motion to Continue in the Interest of Justice (Doc. 25) submitted by the Defendant on August 17, 2023. Therein, Defendant requests the Court to continue both the pretrial conference currently set for September 5, 2023, and trial scheduled for September 25, 2023, and requests that the case be continued to the next available Valdosta trial term. (Id.) Defense Counsel states that the Government's discovery was received in late July but has not had the opportunity to review it with Defendant or investigate the matters with Defendant to determine the next steps. (Id.) Defense Counsel also states that the Government does not oppose the instant Motion. (Id.)
Based on the Parties' stated reasons, the Court finds that the ends of justice served by granting such a continuance outweigh the best interests of the public and the Defendant in a speedy trial. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A)-(B). Therefore, the Unopposed Motion to Continue in the Interest of Justice (Doc. 25) is GRANTED. The pretrial conference set for September 5, 2023, is CANCELED. The Court hereby ORDERS that the trial in the above-referenced matter be CONTINUED to the Valdosta Division November trial term beginning on November 6, 2023, and its conclusion, or as may otherwise be ordered by the Court.
Furthermore, it is ORDERED that the time lost under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161, be EXCLUDED pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7) because the Court has continued the trial in this case and finds that the failure to grant a continuance would likely result in a miscarriage of justice. 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B)(i).
SO ORDERED,