Buju could walk free according to Speedy Trial Act

December 28th, 2011 | By

Buju Banton could walk free from his conviction and subsequent 10 year sentence on drug-related charges according to a Sixth Amendment right stipulated in the American Constitution.

The United States government may have violated the Speedy Trial Act , which states that any defendant involved in a case must be brought to trial by the government within a 70 day window.

The United States Supreme Court has developed a four part test considering length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the defendant’s assertion of his right to a speedy trial, and the prejudice to the defendant in judging speedy trial claims.

Any violations of the Speedy Trial Act could spark the dismissal of a criminal case given the state’s inability to bring the case to trial within a reasonable amount of time.

Last week Buju’s legal team filed an appeal in a Georgia Appeals Court, citing violation of the Act.

They also cited that Buju was not a willing participant in any drug conspiracy.

However the deejay and his fans may have to wait from 6 to 9 months or even longer before a verdict is handed down.