its principal author.

California's right to a speedy trial is different in several ways from the federal right. In California, the right to a speedy trial attaches as soon as a felony complaint is filed (that is, as soon as the criminal action is initiated), while in federal courts, the right attaches at a later point, in the form of a "formal accusation" by indictment or information. In California, dismissal is automatic for a violation of the state statute implementing the state constitutional right to a speedy trial (Penal Code section