Chances are that the delays were requested by the defense. Defense attorneys love to ask for continuances. They are hoping that witnesses will move away, forget things, or lose interest in the case. They are hoping that maybe the police officers or D.A. will mishandle or lose evidence. And if a witness happens to pass away, there goes the case. Cold and callous (sp?), but any way they can legally get a dismissal or acquittal is fair game.