Sec 13-4435. Speedy trial; continuance; notice

A. In any criminal proceeding, the court, prosecutor and law enforcement officials shall take appropriate action to ensure a speedy trial for the victim.

B. The prosecutor shall make reasonable efforts to notify a victim of any request for a continuance, except that if the victim is represented by counsel who has filed a notice of appearance, the court, if the request for a continuance is in writing, shall make reasonable efforts to notify the victim's counsel in the same manner in which a party is notified.

C. A motion to continue shall be in writing unless the court makes a finding on the record that exigent circumstances exist to permit an oral motion.

D. The court shall grant a continuance only if extraordinary circumstances exist and the delay is indispensable to the interests of justice. A continuance may be granted only for the time necessary to serve the interests of justice.

E. Subsections B, C and D do not apply to justice of the peace and municipal courts.

F. Before ruling on a motion for a continuance, the court shall consider the victim's views and the victim's right to a speedy trial. If a continuance is granted, the court shall state on the record the specific reason for the continuance.