Opinion
Crim. No. 07-869 (JLL).
April 7, 2008
ORDER
This matter having been opened to the Court by defendant Benny Ramos (William Hunt, Esq., appearing), and Christopher J. Christie, United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey (Hallie A. Mitchell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, appearing) for an order granting a continuance of the proceedings in the above-captioned matter, and the defendant being aware that he has the right to have the matter tried within seventy days of the date of his initial appearance pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3161(c), and as the defendant requires such a continuance because he needs additional time to confer with counsel and review discovery; and for good and sufficient cause shown,
IT IS THE FINDING OF THIS COURT that this action should be continued for the following reasons:
1. Plea negotiations are in progress and additional time is necessary to finalize any plea agreement, which may render trial of this matter unnecessary.
2. The defendant needs additional time to review discovery which includes numerous consensual recordings and transcripts.
3. Defendant Ramos has consented to the aforementioned continuance.
4. Pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3161(h)(8), the ends of justice served by granting the continuance outweigh the best interests of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial.
WHEREFORE, it is on this 7th day of April, 2008
ORDERED that the proceedings in the above-captioned matter are continued from June 4, 2008 through September 4, 2008;
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the period between June 4, 2008 through September 4, 2008 shall be excludable in computing time under the Speedy Trial Act of 1974;
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any motions submitted by the defendant shall be filed no later than July 28, 2008;
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any response by the Government to defendant's motions shall be filed no later than August 11, 2008;
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that oral argument as to any such motions shall be conducted on August 25, 2008; and
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the trial in this matter will commence on September 3, 2008.