Delayed Arraignment Legal Concerns

Summary

Delays in bringing an indictment can lead to dismissal if they violate your right to a speedy trial. The fact they released you doesnt automatically invalidate the charges. Seek legal advice.

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I just have a question, after being served with * indictments and denied bond how long do they have to put you infront of a judge to ask if you want a lawyer? I got served * indictments over a year ago on a Friday and went infront of the magistrate and he denied me bond and they set up my court date for the following Monday at *:* a.m. and I was locked up in prison at the time. Well when Monday came around nobody picked me up to transport me to court. So my mom called the court to let them know and they said I didn't have any charges in there system. So when it came time for me to get out of court I thought they would hold me because of the bond that the magistrate denied me. Well they released me and now over a year has gone by and I hadn't heard anything else about it until last Friday a cop shows up with a summons for my arraignment in * weeks from now. Is it legal for them to do that after a entire year has gone by and they released me when they were not suppose to?
Hello ****, that's quite a complex situation. The specifics can largely depend on the jurisdiction you're in. May I know where this occurred?
Bedford Virginia
Hello ****,
Based on your location and situation, here are some general points:
- There's no specific timeline for how long they can wait to bring an indictment.
- However, delays can lead to dismissal if they violate your right to a speedy trial.
- The fact they released you doesn't automatically make the charges invalid.
I recommend seeking legal advice.