United States v. MUCKLE, 3:25-cr-00020

Indictment returned August 12, 2025 charging Lanier Cooper with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (21 U.S.C. § 846) and maintaining a drug premises (21 U.S.C. § 856(a)(1)).
Cooper was arraigned August 26, 2025 and released on bond August 28, 2025.
Trial was set to begin November 17, 2025; Cooper filed an unopposed motion to continue (Doc. 96); the government does not oppose a continuance.
Cooper asserted he had not yet received discovery, that discovery would be extensive, and that he needs additional time to review evidence and pursue plea negotiations.
The court analyzed the request under the Speedy Trial Act (18 U.S.C. § 3161), including the ends-of-justice exception for continuances and the need for reasonable time for effective preparation.
The court granted the continuance, finding the ends of justice outweigh a speedy trial; continued the pretrial conference to November 10, 2025 and reset trial for December 15, 2025 as to all defendants (no severance granted).

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether a continuance is justified under the Speedy Trial Act §3161(h)(7)	Government does not oppose continuance	Cooper: has not received discovery; discovery extensive; needs time to prepare and negotiate pleas	Continuance granted under §3161(h)(7); ends of justice outweigh speedy-trial interests; time excluded
Whether the continuance applies to co-defendants absent severance under §3161(h)(6)	Government: no opposition; time for trial has not run for co-defendants	Cooper sought joint continuance; no severance pending	Court continued case as to all defendants (pretrial Nov 10, trial Dec 15, 2025) citing §3161(h)(6)

United States v. Stitzer, 785 F.2d 1506 (11th Cir. 1986) (trial court has discretionary authority to grant continuances)