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[...] After 414 days in the St Clair County jail, he went home.

and this is a success story. A man is free to walk after 414 days of jail because some enlightened new procedure that allows innocent people be set free before trial. Somehow reading all this I just cannot help but stare at the this number: 414. Before a trial [1].

Can this happen to anyone or do you have to enjoy a particular socio-economic situation to deserve this treatment?

[1] http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/murder-c...

414 days in jail awaiting trial doesn't sound like a speedy trial to me, as required (but not defined) in the 6th amendment, either.

Defendants are often advised to waive their right to a speedy trial to better prepare a case.

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