While I am not defending the chief for his actions, he is still an American who by the bill of rights is entitled to a speedy trial. The people, represented by the prosecutor, have to present their case in a timely manner which from what I understand was not done. The Judge has to follow the rule of law no matter how heinous the crime may have been. I'm sure the chief’s attorney was adamantly vying for a dismissal with prejudice due to the shortcomings of the prosecutor. If we start ignoring the rules for one, where will it stop? What happens when the system is supposed to be fair to you?