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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2003

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of sexual assault-related charges against a juvenile American Indian.

In a unanimous opinion, the court ruled that the unidentified juvenile's constitutional rights were denied. A three-judge panel said the youth was not provided a speedy trial within 30 days on charges that he sexually assaulted a teacher on the Tohono O'odham Nation in Arizona.

While the case was proceeding, the youth pleaded guilty while reserving the right to challenge his sentence. Had the charges stuck, he would remain in jail until June 2005.

Although the federal complaint is ordered dismissed, the youth faces tribal charges.

Get the Decision:
US v. DOE, No. 02-10170 (9th Cir. March 25, 2003)