On which day does the Speedy Trial Clock (STC) start?

The Speedy Trial Clock (STC) begins on the day after the preferral of charges. This is a crucial point in the legal process because it marks the official start of the timeline that ensures a defendant's right to a timely trial. The rationale behind this timing is to prevent undue delays in the prosecution of criminal cases, thereby protecting the rights of the accused while also maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.

When charges are preferred, the prosecution files formal charges against the defendant, initiating the legal proceedings. Starting the clock at this point ensures that both the defendant and the court are aware of the timeline and that necessary actions are taken promptly to avoid violations of the right to a speedy trial. This principle is rooted in both the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and various state laws, which aim to promote efficiency and fairness in the criminal justice process.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately denote the starting point of the Speedy Trial Clock, as they refer to different stages in the criminal process that do not initiate the countdown for a speedy trial.