People v. Sutton

Opinion

Penal Code section 1382—one of the principal provisions implementing California’s statutory right to a speedy trial—provides that when a defendant charged with a felony is not brought to trial within 60 days of arraignment on an indictment or information (and the defendant has not expressly or impliedly consented to having trial set for a date beyond that period), the criminal charges against the defendant shall be dismissed unless there is “good cause” for the delay.

In the present case, on the 60th day after arraignment, the appointed counsel of one of two jointly charged defendants was engaged in another trial *538 that had extended longer than anticipated but that was expected to be completed very shortly. For that reason, the trial court found there was good cause to delay the trial of both defendants (without their consent) on a day-to-day basis until the attorney’s other trial was completed. Ultimately, the trial in the present proceeding commenced on the 66th day after arraignment. At that trial, both defendants were convicted of all charged offenses.

In the Court of Appeal, defendants principally contended that the trial court erred in finding that appointed counsel’s engagement in another trial constituted good cause to delay the trial in this case beyond the 60th day without the consent of defendants, maintaining that the trial court’s finding of good cause conflicted with this court’s decision in People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.Sd 557 [162 Cal.Rptr. 431, 606 P.2d 738] (Johnson) and subsequent cases that applied the holding in Johnson. The Court of Appeal rejected defendants’ contention, concluding that the circumstances of this case were distinguishable from Johnson. We granted review to consider the validity of the conclusion reached by the Court of Appeal.

In this court, defendants vigorously assert that the Court of Appeal’s decision is inconsistent with this court’s holding in Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557. The Attorney General disputes this assertion, and further requests that we reconsider the holding in Johnson itself.

As we explain, although there is language in the opinion in Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, that supports defendants’ position, a careful reading of the entire decision demonstrates that the language in Johnson relied upon by defendants is overbroad and should be clarified. The circumstances presented in Johnson—in which a lengthy delay in bringing a criminal case to trial was attributable to the state’s chronic failure to provide a number of public defenders sufficient to enable indigent defendants to proceed to trial within the presumptive statutory period—are clearly distinguishable from those in the present case. Here, trial was delayed on a day-to-day basis for a brief period of time in order to permit one codefendant’s appointed counsel to complete an ongoing trial in another case that ran longer than had been anticipated, a delay that—unlike the delay in Johnson—cannot fairly or reasonably be attributed to the fault or neglect of the state. We conclude that Johnson should not be understood to preclude a trial court from finding good cause to delay trial under the circumstances presented by the case before us and accordingly affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal upholding the trial court’s action.

*539 I

A

The facts giving rise to the criminal charges against defendants Willie J. Jackson and Michael Jerome Sutton (set forth verbatim from the Court of Appeal’s opinion) are as follows:

On May 31, 2006, Officer Anthony Jackson [(Officer Jackson)], a member of the [Los Angeles Police Department’s] narcotics division buy team, was working undercover at 7th and Ceres in Los Angeles. Defendant Jackson was counting money on Ceres. The officer looked at defendant Jackson, who approached the officer and asked what he wanted. The officer said he wanted “a 20,” meaning $20 worth of [drugs]. Defendant Jackson said he had to get it; he crossed the street to a waist-high camping tent, where [defendant] Sutton was waiting.

Sutton and defendant Jackson talked, although the officer could not overhear their conversation. Sutton opened a white bottle out of which he poured an off-white solid substance into his hand and gave it to defendant Jackson. Defendant Jackson walked back to the officer and asked him for the money. The officer gave defendant Jackson a prerecorded $20 bill, and defendant Jackson gave the officer an off-white solid substance resembling rock cocaine. As the officer walked away, he signaled to his partners that the buy was complete.

Jackson was arrested. Officers recovered $14 from his pants pockets. Sutton was arrested. Officers recovered an off-white substance resembling rock cocaine, a white canister also containing an off-white substance resembling cocaine, and $44 from him. Detective Vip Kanchanamongkol, who was in charge of the operation, compared a $20 bill recovered from Sutton to the prerecorded bill Officer Jackson used to buy the drugs from defendant Jackson. The bills matched. Testing confirmed that the substance Officer Jackson bought was 0.33 grams of cocaine base and that the substance recovered from Sutton was 0.99 grams of cocaine base. [End of quoted passage from Court of Appeal opinion.]

B

As just noted, defendants were arrested on May 31, 2006—immediately following the drug transaction—and a felony complaint was originally filed against both of them on June 2, 2006, charging Jackson and Sutton with sale of a controlled substance (Health & Saf. Code, § 11382) and charging Sutton *540 additionally with possession of cocaine base for sale (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.5).

Under Penal Code section 859b, in the absence of a waiver or unless good cause exists, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 court days of the date on which a defendant is arraigned on a complaint. On June 16, 2006—which the trial court described as day “10 of 10”—neither defendant was present in the court in which the preliminary hearing was set, apparently because the defendants, both of whom were in custody, had been brought to the wrong courthouse. At that time, the trial court dismissed the complaint (as required by § 859b), and Sutton was released from custody. Jackson remained in custody on a probation revocation. The trial court stated that it assumed the People would refile the complaint.

The People refiled the felony complaint three days later on June 19, 2006, and Sutton was again arrested and placed in custody. (Thereafter both defendants remained in custody throughout the pretrial proceedings.) After a preliminary hearing, Sutton and Jackson were held to answer and were arraigned on an information on July 21, 2006. Trial of the matter then was scheduled for Monday, September 11, 2006, as day “52 of 60” for purposes of Penal Code section 1382. 1 (Under § 1382, in a felony case a defendant must be brought to trial within 60 days of his or her arraignment on an indictment or information, unless (1) the defendant enters a “general waiver” (§ 1382, subd. (a)(2)(A)); (2) the defendant “requests or consents to” a trial date beyond the 60-day period, in which case he or she shall be brought to trial within 10 days of the date set for trial (§ 1382, subd. (a)(2)(B)); or (3) “good cause” for setting a trial date beyond that period is shown (§ 1382, subd. (a)).)

The trial date later was changed to Tuesday, September 12, 2006—day “53 of 60”—and on September 12 all parties and counsel 2 appeared in department 111 and announced ready for trial, although Jackson’s appointed counsel, Steven Flowers, stated that he was “supposed to start trial today” in a case “which I think will settle.” Flowers further stated: “I am supposed to start another trial tomorrow [(Wednesday, Sept. 13)] which will not settle. I am already in [Department] 100 on Thursday, and the date for this case to go to *541 100 is on Friday.” 3 After noting that his client in the trial scheduled for Thursday was not in custody and that Flowers did not believe that client would object to a continuance, Flowers indicated he would request a continuance in the noncustody case. The trial court then reviewed separate plea offers that had been proffered by the prosecution to Sutton and to Jackson but not yet accepted or rejected by either defendant, and thereafter directed that the case be transferred to department 100 for trial assignment on Friday, September 15, 2006, as “day 56 of 60.” The court stated: “[A]ll parties are announcing ready for trial subject to the possibility that you [counsel Flowers] could be engaged in that other case, but you’re going to make a motion.” Flowers responded: “Exactly.”

On Friday, September 15, 2006, day 56 of 60, the parties and counsel appeared in department 100. At that time, Flowers stated he was then engaged in trial in another case. 4 The court asked Flowers when that trial would be completed, and Flowers responded: “I would anticipate, it’s more than likely the testimony will be done today in my other case.” The court stated: “But you’ve got to do jury instructions and argument, so you’re not going to finish until Monday or Tuesday?” Flowers responded: “Monday probably.” When both defense counsel indicated that they wanted to bring the present case back for trial on Tuesday, September 19 (day 60 of 60), the court informed them, “I’m going to try to get a time waiver [from defendants] because I don’t want ... to go to [the] last day,” and thereafter stated to defendant Jackson: “Your lawyer is engaged in trial right now, and he can only try one case at a time. But he will be available to try your case on the 19th of September. Is it agreeable with you that you come back here on September 19th and have your trial within two days of that date?” Jackson responded: “As long as no time is being waived.” The court stated, “Oh, you don’t want to waive time?” and Jackson responded: “No time. I don’t want to waive time.”

The court then stated: “That’s fine. Then whether he’s available or not, I’ll have you back here on Monday and you guys can sit. You’re coming back for nothing because he’s engaged in trial. It doesn’t require a time waiver, but I’m not the one who has to sit here. So that’s fine, we’ll bring you back on Monday, both of you, and you can sit.” The court further observed: “[I]t seemed like a waste to bring them back. But if there’s no time waiver, I have to bring them back every day.” The court directed the parties and counsel to return on Monday, September 18, 2006, as day “59 of 60.”

*542 On Monday, September 18, 2006, day 59 of 60, counsel for the People and for Sutton announced ready, but Flowers, Jackson’s counsel, stated he still was engaged in trial. The court noted that it was “trailing this day to day” and that the trailing was “on motion of Mr. Flowers, correct?” Flowers responded, “Continuing motion that started last Friday.” The court ordered the parties and counsel to return on Tuesday, September 19, at 8:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2006, day 60 of 60, Flowers informed the court that he still was engaged in trial. The court inquired, “When is it supposed to be over?” Flowers responded: “Probably tomorrow. We’re dark today.” The court noted on the record that neither defendant was waiving time, and ordered both defendants back to court the following morning. When Sutton asked the court when the 60-day period started to run, the court informed Sutton that “this is the 60th day. But if . . . the lawyer is engaged in trial, there’s good cause to put the matter over for both defendants. Mr. Flowers is still engaged in trial. The court finds good cause. The matter is trailed. We’ll have you back tomorrow.”

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, day 61 of 60, Flowers stated he still was engaged in trial. Nonetheless, Flowers stated that “I’m told I should make at least a pro forma motion to dismiss.” The following colloquy ensued:

The Court: “On what basis?”

Mr. Flowers: “Because [d]ay 61 of 60 and—”

The Court: “But you’re engaged in trial—”

Mr. Flowers: “And I’m still—”

The Court: “—You’ve asked for the continuance. Now, how can you make a motion to dismiss? Do you want to go to trial on this second case at the same time as your first? I don’t care.”

Mr. Flowers: “No.”

The Court: “Well, how can you make a motion to dismiss if you’ve made the motion to continue?”

Mr. Flowers: “Because I’m still engaged in trial because I’m on day eight of a two-day trial.”

The Court: “Well, so what?”

*543 Mr. Flowers: “I just. . .”

The Court: “That’s not a good faith motion to dismiss if you’re making the motion to continue. You cannot make both.”

The prosecutor'stated that “The People have been ready, your honor, every day.” The court acknowledged that was accurate.

The trial court then ruled: “Matter will trail. It will remain last day. All parties are ordered back on September 21st. The court finds good cause in that Mr. Flowers is engaged in trial. We’ll see you guys tomorrow for trial.”

On Thursday, September 21, 2006, day 62 of 60, Flowers arrived before the defendants were present and, stating he still was engaged in trial, asked the court whether, “if my jury goes out today, there is a high possibility they will, ... am I considered available or do I have to wait for the verdict?” The court responded: “That’s up to you. Technically there is a case that says while a jury is deliberating you’re still engaged but I don’t generally wait.” Flowers asked: “If I call at 3:00 o’clock [and say] the jury is out[,] you will consider me available for tomorrow?” The court stated: “Tomorrow. Yes.” When defendants Jackson and Sutton arrived, the court addressed them: “Mr. Flowers was here this morning. He is still engaged in trial. Mr. White was here, your lawyer [addressing Sutton], but you guys were on the way from Lancaster, Wayside. And Mr. White had a Norwalk appearance. He is ready for trial and waiting for Mr. Flowers who should be done today. So I anticipate that you will go to trial tomorrow. [j[] We will see you tomorrow. I find good cause, Mr. Flowers being engaged in trial, to trail this case until the 22nd of September. Mr. Flowers indicates he expects to have the jury out late this afternoon and even though he is technically engaged while the jury is deliberating, I will send you out to trial tomorrow.” Defendant Sutton asked: “This doesn’t make us waiving time?” The court responded: “You haven’t waived one second. I find good cause because one of the two counsel [is] engaged in trial, which is good cause to trail the case.”

On Friday, September 22, 2006, counsel Flowers appeared and stated that his other trial had not yet ended but that “[t]he prosecution rested yesterday afternoon. Jury instructions have already been gone through and approved. So final argument after that. They may go out this morning; if not that, then this afternoon.” The court asked: “You’ll be available then for trial Monday?,” and Flowers answered: “Hopefully, yes.” The court asked: “Is it your request the matter trail till Monday the 25th?,” and Flowers stated: “Yes.” The court stated: “Court finds good cause in that Mr. Flowers is engaged in trial and *544 will be available for trial on September 25. There’s no time waiver. All parties are ordered back at 8:30 a.m. on that date.” When Sutton again asked for an explanation of “what’s the good cause,” the court responded: “[T]he good cause is that one of the lawyers is engaged and can’t try two cases at one time. And if one of the lawyers is engaged on a case with two defendants, it’s good cause to put both over.”

On Monday, September 25, 2006, Flowers informed the court that he had completed his other trial. The case then was transferred from department 100 to department 124 for trial. After the trial court in department 124 explained to defendants the plea offers that had been made to each, they both indicated they wanted to go to trial. Sutton’s counsel then moved for dismissal on the ground that Sutton had been denied a speedy trial, relying upon a number of Court of Appeal decisions holding that the state’s interest in conducting a joint trial did not constitute good cause to delay a codefendant’s trial simply because delay was warranted with regard to a jointly charged defendant. The trial court denied the motion to dismiss, and the joint trial of both defendants commenced that same day.

At trial, each defendant was convicted of all offenses with which he was charged.

C

In the Court of Appeal, defendants contended, among other issues, that the trial court erred under Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, in finding that the unavailability of Jackson’s counsel constituted good cause to delay Jackson’s trial when Jackson expressly had refused to waive time and his counsel’s unavailability related to counsel’s representation of another client and was not for the benefit of Jackson. In addition, Sutton contended that even if the trial court properly found that the engagement of Jackson’s counsel in another trial constituted good cause to delay Jackson’s trial, the circumstance that Sutton was jointly charged with Jackson did not constitute good cause to delay Sutton’s trial.

The Court of Appeal rejected both arguments. With respect to the first contention, the appellate court held that the circumstances presented in this case—“in which trial counsel is presently engaged in another matter and the matter before the court trails for a minimal number of days”—were distinguishable from the circumstances presented in Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, in which the trial court, over the defendant’s objection, had granted repeated delays not only to permit a public defender to complete an ongoing trial but also to accommodate the public defender’s obligations with regard to numerous other older cases to which he had been assigned. With respect to the *545 second contention, the Court of Appeal held that the significant state interests served by permitting jointly charged defendants to be tried together in a single trial can constitute good cause to delay the trial of a jointly charged codefendant, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding that those interests justified the relatively brief delay in the joint trial at issue in the present case. The Court of Appeal affirmed the convictions of both defendants.

Each defendant petitioned for review, contending (among other unrelated issues) that the Court of Appeal’s decision was inconsistent with Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, and a number of Court of Appeal decisions following Johnson. We granted review, limiting the issues to be reviewed to those related to the statutory speedy-trial issue. 5

II

A

As noted, section 1382 is one of the principal provisions implementing a criminal defendant’s statutory right to a speedy trial. The statute provides that, in a felony case, the court shall dismiss the action when a defendant is not brought to trial within 60 days of his or her arraignment on an indictment or information, unless (1) the defendant enters a general waiver of the 60-day trial requirement, (2) the defendant requests or consents (expressly or impliedly) to the setting of a trial date beyond the 60-day period (in which case the defendant shall be brought to trial on the date set for trial or within 10 days thereafter), or (3) “good cause” is shown. 6

*546 As reflected in the statement of facts set forth above, in this case each defendant repeatedly informed the trial court that he was not willing to “waive time,” or, in other words, to consent to having his case brought to trial beyond the 60-day period; the trial court, in permitting the matter to trail beyond that period on a day-to-day basis, repeatedly acknowledged that defendants had not waived time and expressly rested its continuance orders on a determination that there was “good cause” for the delay. Our resolution of this case thus requires an analysis of the “good cause” concept embodied in section 1382.

Section 1382 does not define “good cause” as that term is used in the provision, but numerous California appellate decisions that have reviewed good-cause determinations under this statute demonstrate that, in general, a number of factors are relevant to a determination of good cause: (1) the nature and strength of the justification for the delay, (2) the duration of the delay, and (3) the prejudice to either the defendant or the prosecution that is likely to result from the delay. (See, e.g., Stroud v. Superior Court (2000) 23 Cal.4th 952, 969-970 [98 Cal.Rptr.2d 677, 4 P.3d 933]; People v. Szeto (1981) 29 Cal.3d 20, 29-30 [171 Cal.Rptr. 652, 623 P.2d 213]; Jensen v. Superior Court (2008) 160 Cal.App.4th 266, 271-275 [72 Cal.Rptr.3d 594] ,) 7 Past decisions further establish that in making its good-cause determination, a trial court must consider all of the relevant circumstances of the particular case, “applying principles of common sense to the totality of circumstances . . . .” (Stroud, supra, 23 Cal.4th 952, 969; see, e.g., Jensen v. Superior Court, supra, 160 Cal.App.4th 266, 270-275.) The cases recognize that, as a general matter, a trial court “has broad discretion to determine whether good cause exists to grant a continuance of the trial” (People v. Jenkins (2000) 22 Cal.4th 900, 1037 [95 Cal.Rptr.2d 377, 997 P.2d 1044]), and that, in reviewing a trial court’s good-cause determination, an appellate court applies an “abuse of discretion” standard. (Ibid.; see People v. Shane (2004) 115 Cal.App.4th 196, *547 200-203 [8 Cal.Rptr.3d 753]; Hollis v. Superior Court (1985) 165 Cal.App.3d 642, 645 [211 Cal.Rptr. 649].) 8

Past California decisions have examined a wide variety of circumstances that have been proffered or relied upon as a basis under section 1382 for finding good cause to delay a trial, including (1) the unavailability of a witness, (2) the unavailability of a judge, (3) the unavailability of a courtroom, (4) counsel’s need for additional time to prepare for trial, (5) the unavailability of counsel, and (6) the interest in trying jointly charged defendants in a single trial. (See generally 5 Witkin & Epstein, Cal. Criminal Law (3d ed. 2000) §§ 308-316, pp. 457^-71, and cases cited; Cal. Criminal Law: Procedure and Practice (Cont.Ed.Bar 2009) §§ 19.27-19.29, pp. 529-532, and cases cited.)

As briefly noted above, defendants’ challenges to the trial court’s actions in the present case raise two distinct questions relating to good cause: (1) whether the trial court acted within its discretion in determining that the circumstance that Jackson’s appointed counsel currently was engaged in an ongoing trial in another case constituted good cause to delay Jackson’s trial pending completion of counsel’s other trial, and (2) if so, whether the trial court acted within its discretion in determining that this circumstance also provided good cause to delay the trial of Sutton, a jointly charged codefendant. We turn first to the trial court’s good-cause determination as it relates to the delay of Jackson’s trial.

B

In asserting that the Court of Appeal erred in failing to find that the trial court abused its discretion in determining that Jackson’s counsel’s continuing engagement in an ongoing trial constituted good cause to delay Jackson’s trial, both defendants rely principally upon this court’s decision in Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557. Because of the centrality of the Johnson decision to defendants’ claim, we begin by reviewing that decision in some detail.

*548 1

In Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, the defendant, represented by a deputy public defender, was arraigned on February 2, 1977, on robbery charges and trial originally was set for March 23, 1977. On that date, the defendant appeared in court with counsel. Counsel explained to the court that he was presently engaged in another trial, had two other trials already scheduled in cases that were older than Johnson’s case, and had no available trial date until May 6, 1977. (See 26 Cal.3d at pp. 563-564 & fn. 2.) The trial court viewed counsel’s explanation as an implied request for a continuance beyond the 60-day period set forth in section 1382. 9 Although the defendant, who was unable to make bail and thus remained incarcerated pending trial (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 565), refused to consent to the proposed continuance, the trial court found good cause to continue the matter and postponed trial until May 6, 1977.

On that date, Johnson’s counsel again requested a continuance, explaining that he then had three other trials to complete prior to trying Johnson’s case and did not expect to be available for that case until June 14, 1977. (See Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 564 & fn. 3.) The defendant again refused to consent to a continuance of his trial, but the trial court found good cause to continue the trial to June 14, “ ‘which it appears to the court is the earliest opportunity counsel has to try [the] matter.’ ” (Id. at p. 564, fn. 3.)

On that date, the court excused counsel until June 23, 1977, and at the same time entered a minute order indicating that “ ‘due to congested calendar’ ” the court was trailing the case to a date “ ‘not later than June 27, 1977, or to such earlier date as a trial court is available (deemed 10th day, pursuant to stipulation).’ ” (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 565.)

Finally, on June 27, 1977, 144 days after the information had been filed, the court called the case for trial and jury selection began. (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 565.)

In addressing the propriety of the trial court’s actions, the majority opinion in Johnson first considered whether, under the circumstances of that case, *549 defense counsel had the right over the defendant’s objection to waive the defendant’s statutory right to be brought to trial within 60 days. In Townsend v. Superior Court (1975) 15 Cal.3d 774, 779-784 [126 Cal.Rptr. 251, 543 P.2d 619], this court had held that defense counsel’s general authority to control the defendant’s participation in judicial proceedings authorized counsel to consent to a continuance of the trial beyond the 60-day period, even over the defendant’s objection. But in Johnson, the court qualified the holding in Townsend, stating: “The power of appointed counsel to control judicial strategy and to waive nonfundamental rights despite his Ghent’s objection (see Townsend v. Superior Court[, supra,] 15 Cal.3d 774, 781 . . . and cases there cited) presumes effective counsel acting for the best interest of the client. As the court pointed out in People v. Corona (1978) 80 Cal.App.3d 684, 720 [145 Cal.Rptr. 894], ‘[e]ffectiveness ... is not a matter of professional competence alone. It also includes the requirement that the services of the attorney be devoted solely to the interest of his client undiminished by conflicting considerations.’ Thus when the public defender, burdened by the conflicting rights of clients entitled to a speedy trial, seeks to waive one client’s right, that conduct cannot be justified on the basis of counsel’s right to control judicial proceedings. The public defender’s decision under these circumstances is not a matter of defense strategy at all; it is an attempt to resolve a conflict of interest by preferring one client over another. As a matter of principle, such a decision requires the approval of the disfavored client. [Citation.] We conclude that the consent of appointed counsel to a postponement of trial beyond the statutory period, if given solely to resolve a calendar conflict and not to promote the best interests of [the] client, cannot stand unless supported by the express or implied consent of the client himself.” (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at pp. 566-567, fn. omitted.)

Having concluded that the delay of the trial in that case could not be upheld on the basis of defense counsel’s consent, the court in Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d 557, turned to the question whether, under the circumstances of that case, the trial court properly could find good cause existed to support the numerous continuances of the trial beyond the 60-day period. In addressing the good-cause issue, the court in Johnson recognized that “[w]hat constitutes good cause for the delay of a criminal trial is a matter that lies within the discretion of the trial court.” {Id. at p. 570.) The court in Johnson then reviewed a variety of circumstances determined by past decisions either to constitute or not constitute good cause under section 1382, observing: “The courts agree, for example, that delay caused by the conduct of the defendant constitutes good cause to deny his motion to dismiss. Delay for defendant’s benefit also constitutes good cause. Finally, delay arising from unforeseen circumstances, such as the unexpected illness or unavailability of counsel or witnesses constitutes good cause to avoid dismissal. Delay attributable to the *550 fault of the prosecution, on the other hand, does not constitute good cause. Neither does delay caused by improper court administration.” (26 Cal.3d at p. 570, fns. omitted.)

The court in Johnson then stated: “Although we perceive no objection to the principles stated in the preceding paragraph, we question those decisions which assume that court congestion or excessive public defender caseloads necessarily constitute good cause to deny dismissal. (See, e.g., In re Lopez [(1952)] 39 Cal.2d 118, 120 [245 P.2d 1] (court congestion); People v. Weiss (1958) 50 Cal.2d 535, 559 [327 P.2d 527] (same); People v. Yniquez (1974) 42 Cal.App.3d Supp. 13, 19 [116 Cal.Rptr. 626] (same); People v. Superior Court (Lerma) [(1975)] 48 Cal.App.3d 1003, 1009-1010 [122 Cal.Rptr. 267] . . . (unavailability of public defender).)” (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at pp. 570-571.) The court explained: “A defendant’s right to a speedy trial may be denied simply by the failure of the state to provide enough courtrooms or judges to enable defendant to come to trial within the statutory period. The right may also be denied by failure to provide enough public defenders or appointed counsel, so that an indigent must choose between the right to a speedy trial and the right to representation by competent counsel. ‘[Ujnreasonable delay in run-of-the-mill criminal cases cannot be justified by simply asserting that the public resources provided by the State’s criminal-justice system are limited and that each case must await its turn.’ [Citation.]” (Id. at p. 571.)

The Johnson opinion quoted from a discussion of the problem of delay caused by court congestion, contained in the American Bar Association’s standards for speedy trial: “ ‘[D]elay arising out of the chronic congestion of the trial docket should not be excused .... [1] But, while delay because of a failure to provide sufficient resources to dispose of the usual number of cases within the speedy trial time limits is not excused, the standard does recognize congestion as justifying added delay when “attributable to exceptional circumstances.” Although it is fair to expect the state to provide the machinery needed to dispose of the usual business of the courts promptly, it does not appear feasible to impose the same requirements when certain unique, nonrecurring events have produced an inordinate number of cases for court disposition.’ ” (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 571, quoting ABA Project on Stds. for Crim. Justice, Stds. Relating to Speedy Trial (Approved Draft 1968) pp. 27-28 (ABA Stds. Relating to Speedy Trial).)

The court in Johnson continued: “The same reasoning, distinguishing between chronic conditions and exceptional circumstances, applies to the delay caused by the crowded calendars of public defenders. The state cannot reasonably provide against all contingencies which may create a calendar conflict for public defenders and compel postponement of some of their *551 cases. On the other hand, routine assignment of heavy caseloads to understaffed offices, when such practice foreseeably will result in the delay of trials beyond the 60-day period without defendant’s consent, can and must be avoided. A defendant deserves not only capable counsel, but counsel who, barring exceptional circumstances, can defend him without infringing upon his right to a speedy trial. Thus the state cannot rely upon the obligations which an appointed counsel owes to other clients to excuse its denial of a speedy trial to the instant defendant.” (Johnson, supra, 26 Cal.3d at p. 572.)

Turning to the facts before it, the court in Johnson stated: “In the present case the record does not indicate any ground for the postponements of March 23 and May 6 which would suggest good cause to deny defendant’s motion to dismiss. 'When the public defender moved for a continuance on March 23, he clearly posited his request not upon a benefit to Johnson but upon commitment to clients other than Johnson. He revealed that his representation of other clients created a conflict which he proposed to resolve to Johnson’s detriment. Under these circumstances we think the court should inquire whether the assigned deputy could be replaced by another deputy or appointed counsel who would be able to bring the case to trial within the statutory period. In some instances, appointment of new counsel will serve to protect defendant’s right to a speedy trial. If, on the other hand, the court cannot ascertain a feasible method to protect defendant’s right, the court will have no alternative but to grant a continuance; upon a subsequent motion to dismiss, however, the court must inquire into whether the delay is attributable to the faul