Montana Supreme Court
Great Falls v. H. Kuntz
January 9, 2024541 P.3d 766
Summary
The Court affirmed the District Court’s decision upholding the Municipal Court’s denial of Kuntz’s motion to dismiss for violation of the misdemeanor speedy-trial statute. The Municipal Court had good cause to delay trial two days beyond the six-month deadline because of COVID-19-related health risks, witness concerns, and uncertainty about assembling a sufficient jury, and its findings were supported by substantial evidence. The Court concluded that the delay did not warrant dismissal under the totality of the circumstances.