Ex-Lawyer’s Speedy Trial Rights Not Violated by Transport Delay

A disbarred California lawyer lost his appeal Thursday to overturn convictions for wire fraud, mail fraud, and tax offenses, after the Ninth Circuit said a 21-day delay between his arrest in New Jersey and his first appearance in California was irrelevant for purposes of the Speedy Trial Act.

Only two events trigger the law’s 70-day speedy trial clock, either the public filing of an indictment or a defendant’s first appearance in the court where charges are pending, whichever comes later, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said in a published opinion.

Based on the clear language ...