Chances are your attorney knows better than you, and your speedy trial time hasn't accumlated yet. Speedy Trial does not mean what you think it means, most likely.
I would file a motion to dismiss the case. If the prosecution has deprived the accused of his right to a speedy trial, the charges must be dismissed. Four continuances by the prosecution seems like too many to ensure the accused a speedy trial. I suggest you talk with a criminal defense attorney ASAP (if you are not already represented) , as you will need a good lawyer on your side to get the charges dropped or a speedy trial.
You will have to contact either your attorney or the prosecutor and request the delay. A preliminary hearing is part of the "speedy trial" process guaranteed by the Constitution and you will have to have very good reason for postponing it, or be asked to sign a "Waiver of Speedy Trial."
It's unnecessary to file a motion requesting a "speedy trial," that right is already guaranteed to you by the Constitution and is automatically applicable to all criminal court proceedings.
It can't be denied. It is in the Constitution that you have the right to a speedy and public trial. That doesn't mean the trial will be a quick trial, it means the trial will be started quickly. If that isa denied, than you can sue them, or appeal, or try to take it to the Supreme Court.Another View: I assume you are still being held in jail - file a Writ of Habeus Corpus citing the denial of your Constitutional right to a speedy trial. This should have the effect of releasing you from custody. After consultation with an attorney you can come to a decision as to whether you wish to bring suit or not.
90 days, unless waived by the defendant or his attorney.
Under "speedy trial" rules generally the prosecution must begin within 90 days of arrest. But this is subject to MANY things, not the least of which is the defense waiving the right to speedy trial in order for them to prepare more adequately for the trial process. Any requests for waiver of "speedy" whether requested by, or granted by, the defense extends the trial date by the amount of time agreed upon. Added: Many states require the defendant (or defense attorney) to file a formal speedy trial demand before such time constraints take effect.
In this case the the trial should come for hearing within six months.
If you, or your attorney, have voluntarily waived "speedy trial" it can be postponed again by mutual agreement between the prosecutor and defense up to several times thereafter.
The timeframe depends on what state you reside in. In most cases it can range from 90 to about 120 days. If your attorney has waived "speedy trial" it can be even longer. If you are represented by an attorney ask them.
As a GENERAL rule the right to "speedy trial" runs within a 90 day time period. If the right to "speedy" was waived, it can run longer than that timeframe by mutual agreement between you (or your attorney) and the prosecutor.
Create a pleading with the caption of the case and case number, (as in most legal pleadings) and title it, "Defendant's Request for a Speedy Trial." Cite the statute number or constitutional authority, etc. that guarantees your rights to a speedy trial. Be sure to sign it, file it with the court, and send a copy to the prosecutor.
Not necessarily but if you (or your attorney) waives "speedy" it makes no real difference. If you do not waive it, it will simply have to speed up the lab process.