What is the statutory waiting period after service of charges on an ACC for a SPCM?

What is the statutory waiting period after service of charges on an ACC for a SPCM?

• A. 5 days
• B. 3 days
• C. 1 day
• D. 7 days

Answer: (B)

After charges are served on an accused in a Special Court-Martial, there is a mandatory waiting period before arraignment. That period lasts three days. This timeframe gives the accused a brief window to consult counsel, review the charges, and prepare a defense, while keeping the process moving promptly. The other durations do not align with this statutory requirement for a SPCM; they would either be too short or too long for this specific proceeding. Note that the three-day period can be waived or extended for good cause by the military judge, or the defense can request expedited proceedings, but the default minimum is three days.

After charges are served on an accused in a Special Court-Martial, there is a mandatory waiting period before arraignment. That period lasts three days. This timeframe gives the accused a brief window to consult counsel, review the charges, and prepare a defense, while keeping the process moving promptly.

The other durations do not align with this statutory requirement for a SPCM; they would either be too short or too long for this specific proceeding. Note that the three-day period can be waived or extended for good cause by the military judge, or the defense can request expedited proceedings, but the default minimum is three days.