Opinion
7:23-CR-65 WLS-TQL-05
08-28-2023
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, v. JOE SMITH, JR., Defendant.
ORDER
W. LOUIS SANDS, SR. JUDGE
Previously, the Court provided the Parties with notice that this case was scheduled for pretrial conference on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. and for trial on Monday, October 9, 2023 (Doc. 249). In the event the case is not ready for trial, the Parties were ordered to file a motion to continue at least two days prior to the date of the noticed pretrial conference. (Id.) The Defendant, Joe Smith, filed a timely Unopposed Motion to Continue Trial in the Interests of Justice (Doc. 263) (“Motion”). Defendant's first appearance occurred on August 17, 2023. Defense Counsel has not yet received discovery, and the Government has a pending Motion for Protective Order. Defense Counsel understands from discussions with Government's Counsel that the Government anticipates filing a Motion to Declare Case Complex due to anticipated voluminous discovery. In addition Defense Counsel is scheduled to begin a three-week RICO trial in state court beginning September 18, 2023.
Defense Counsel requests a continuance to allow him time to receive and review discovery, meet with his client, and determine whether to file any pretrial motions. Defense Counsel represents that he conferred with Government's Counsel, Assistant United States Attorney, Monica Daniels, and she does not oppose the Motion. He further states that the ends of justice require the continuance and requests that the period of continuance be excluded from under the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. § 3161.
Based on the Defendant's stated reasons, the Court finds that a continuance is required for Defense Counsel to effectively prepare for trial. The Court further finds 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 Motion (Doc. 263) is GRANTED. The Court hereby ORDERS that the trial in the above-referenced matter be CONTINUED to the Valdosta Division February 2024 term 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 (a) would likely result in a miscarriage of justice, and (b) would deny Defense Counsel the reasonable time necessary for effective preparation, taking into account the exercise of due diligence. See 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B)(i), (iv).
The September 13, 2023 pretrial conference is CANCELLED.
SO ORDERED.