State v. Parks

Summary

The Nebraska Supreme Court affirmed Parks’ convictions for two counts of first degree murder and five other felonies. It held that Parks’ statutory speedy-trial claims were barred by the law-of-the-case doctrine and, independently, that he permanently waived his statutory speedy-trial rights when his unsuccessful discharge motion and ensuing appeal continued the trial beyond the statutory deadline. Applying the constitutional speedy-trial balancing test, the court found no violation because the delays were largely attributable to the defense, Parks’ assertions were undermined by his own litigation conduct, and he failed to show actual prejudice. The court also rejected his discovery, mistrial, and ineffective-assistance claims.