The old saying: “Good things come to those who wait” was proven true last week for Lavance Stewart who was found not guilty by a White Pine Jury on burglary charges.
Arrested in February bound over in March, Stewart’s early April trial was postponed to the end of the month by the sudden illness of his lawyer’s mother.
Midway through testimony Stewart’s attorney Charles Odgers informed the court that he had to leave immediately to care for his mother who suffered a stroke.
Judge Steve Dobrescu immediately rescheduled the trial toward the end of the month.
During his arraignment in March Stewart refused to waive his right to a speedy trial and Dobrescu set the date to April 3.
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Accused of burglary Stewart an ex-felon could face a stiff prison sentence not only for the alleged robbery but also ran the risk of be classified as an habitual criminal.
The former inmate was accused of breaking into the Ely Job connect Employment Office on February 4, 2012. According to White Pine County Sheriff’s reports Stewart was arrested after being chased down by deputies.
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He was held in the White Pine County Jail in lieu of making bail. Even with the unexpected delay Stewart trial took place within the 60 mandated by law for a speedy trial.
In America, not guilty verdicts especially for cases involving indigent accused offenders represented by public defenders are few and far between Odgers acknowledged.
