The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin released a speedy-trial toolkit to help incarcerated Wisconsinites access the resources they need to assert their rights in the legal system.
The guide is intended for individuals facing criminal charges who are not represented by an attorney. It includes sample motions, a glossary of legal terms, brief explainers about your rights, and a list of frequently asked questions.
Key example motions featured in the toolkit include:
- Speedy trial demands
- Request for a court-appointed attorney
- Motion to Dismiss for Failure to provide a speedy trial
- Request to reduce bail
“While the right to a speedy trial is enshrined in both the US and Wisconsin Constitutions, we know that those involved in legal proceedings often wait months or even years for their case to move forward,” said Jade Hall, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Wisconsin. “These delays are often a result of problems with securing adequate legal representation. Accordingly, we have developed this toolkit to help individuals who do not have an attorney to exercise their rights.”
“These slowdowns can be extraordinarily costly. Every day that a person has to remain incarcerated while waiting out their case is another day they go without seeing their families, going to work, and paying their bills. When your case is on hold, so is your life. That’s why it’s so important for those who find themselves in this position to understand what their options are.”
No information contained in the toolkit is intended as legal advice, and you should always seek legal counsel before pursuing pro se litigation.
