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That right is not as obvious as it seems. Also, though I cannot find a citation, I believe that everyone typically waives those rights (in a very murky manner) upon arraignment.

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I would suspect asking for a speedy trial is a huge bet on which side can get better prepared in time for the trial date. Possibly most defense attorneys don't want to take that bet because prosecutors already have their evidence in hand.

Jelani did not waive the right to a speedy trial, and in fact his lawyer filed the motion demanding one on three separate occasions before it was granted. This was more than one year into his incarceration.

This is just the case outside the rule, the DA was delaying likely because the case was so shaky to begin with because of lack of evidence. The DA was waiting for him to crack and take a plea bargain so that in the end the DA still looks tough on crime.

Personally, I fault the entire system for the man's treatment; the DA, the judge, all the way up to the governor.

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