Aug. 11, 2026
Public defenders challenge San Francisco judge's use of half-day trials
San Francisco public defenders say chronic courtroom congestion cannot justify delays beyond statutory speedy-trial deadlines and seeking dismissal of a pending DUI case.
A San Francisco judge improperly forced two misdemeanor defendants to choose between half-day trials and surrendering a speedy-trial protection, the Public Defender's Office claims in a writ petition challenging a court practice it says has become increasingly common as judges juggle crowded criminal calendars.
Superior Court Judge Michael Rhoads had two driving-under-the-influence cases set for trial on the same day. According to the petition, Rhoads offered to conduct consec...
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