People of Guam v Blas [2016] GUSC 19 (10 June 2016)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM

THE PEOPLE OF GUAM,
Plaintiff-Appellee,

v.

FRANKIE GARRIDO BLAS,

Defendant-Appellant.

Supreme Court Case No.: CRA15-011
Superior Court Case No.: CF0164-14

OPINION

Filed: June 10, 2016

Cite as: 2016 Guam 19

Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
Argued and submitted on December 9, 2015
Hagåtña, Guam

Appearing for Defendant-Appellant: Suresh Sampath, Esq. Public Defender Service Corporation MVP Sinajana Commercial Building, Unit B 779 Route 4 Sinajana, Guam 96910

Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellee: Phillip J. Tydingco, Esq. Office of the Attorney General Prosecution Division 590 S. Marine Corps Dr., Ste. 706 Tamuning, GU 96913

BEFORE: ROBERT J. TORRES, Chief Justice; F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate Justice; KATHERINE A. MARAMAN, Associate Justice.

TORRES, C.J.:
[1] Defendant-Appellant Frank Garrido Blas appeals the trial court’s denial of his request for a trial continuance. The trial court denied the continuance to abide by the time standards within Administrative Rule No. 13-003. We permitted this appeal following Blas’s Petition for Interlocutory Review because we were persuaded that resolution of the questions of law presented will protect Blas from substantial and irreparable injury, and will also clarify issues of general importance in the administration of justice. In their brief, the People additionally request this court to clarify the circumstances under which continuances are appropriate for Administrative Rule No. 13-003 purposes. For the reasons stated below, we reverse the trial court’s Order, lift the stay issued, and remand this case for further proceedings not inconsistent with this Opinion.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

[2] A Complaint was filed against Blas on April 5, 2014, for Assault on a Peace Officer (As a 3rd Degree Felony), Criminal Mischief (As a 3rd Degree Felony), Resisting Arrest (As a Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (As a Petty Misdemeanor), and Public Drunkenness (As a Violation). He was indicted for each charge in the Complaint on April 15, 2014, and arraigned on April 23, 2014.
[3]