Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido on Tuesday announced a new policy aimed at reducing court delays and ensuring that crime victims receive timely justice.
Under the new directive, titled “Two-and-Through,” assistant prosecutors may consent to no more than two adjournments in a case. The policy takes effect immediately.
Assistant prosecuting attorneys will retain discretion to agree to up to two adjournments when good cause exists. For example, to give defense counsel time to review discovery materials provided by the prosecutor’s office, including large volumes of digital evidence, or while the parties await laboratory results from the Michigan State Police, or a report from the Forensic Center, which may take several months to complete.
After two adjournments, assistant prosecutors must either object to any additional continuances or seek direct approval from Prosecutor Lucido. Judges, however, retain full authority to grant adjournments as they deem necessary for the administration of justice, regardless of whether the prosecution objects.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Lucido said. “This policy is about keeping our system fair, efficient, and focused on the rights of victims who deserve to see their cases resolved without unnecessary delay.”
Lucido added that his office has improved discovery procedures to expedite the exchange of evidence and minimize delays. Most discovery materials, he said, are now made available to defense attorneys by the next business day, sometimes even the same day.
“By setting clear expectations and encouraging preparation on both sides, we can move cases forward more efficiently,” Lucido said. “Victims deserve prompt justice—Two-and-Through helps make that happen.”
Under the new directive, titled “Two-and-Through,” assistant prosecutors may consent to no more than two adjournments in a case. The policy takes effect immediately.
Assistant prosecuting attorneys will retain discretion to agree to up to two adjournments when good cause exists. For example, to give defense counsel time to review discovery materials provided by the prosecutor’s office, including large volumes of digital evidence, or while the parties await laboratory results from the Michigan State Police, or a report from the Forensic Center, which may take several months to complete.
After two adjournments, assistant prosecutors must either object to any additional continuances or seek direct approval from Prosecutor Lucido. Judges, however, retain full authority to grant adjournments as they deem necessary for the administration of justice, regardless of whether the prosecution objects.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Lucido said. “This policy is about keeping our system fair, efficient, and focused on the rights of victims who deserve to see their cases resolved without unnecessary delay.”
Lucido added that his office has improved discovery procedures to expedite the exchange of evidence and minimize delays. Most discovery materials, he said, are now made available to defense attorneys by the next business day, sometimes even the same day.
“By setting clear expectations and encouraging preparation on both sides, we can move cases forward more efficiently,” Lucido said. “Victims deserve prompt justice—Two-and-Through helps make that happen.”
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