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Ch 2, p.34 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE August 2010
Rule 2.33 Dismissal of prosecutions; right to speedy trial.
2.33(1) Dismissal generally; effect. The court, upon its own motion or the application of the
prosecuting attorney, in the furtherance of justice, may order the dismissal of any pending criminal
prosecution, the reasons therefor being stated in the order and entered of record, and no such
prosecution shall be discontinued or abandoned in any other manner. Such a dismissal is a bar to
another prosecution for the same offense if it is a simple or serious misdemeanor; but it is not a bar
if the offense charged be a felony or an aggravated misdemeanor.
2.33(2) Speedy trial. It is the public policy of the state of Iowa that criminal prosecutions be
concluded at the earliest possible time consistent with a fair trial to both parties. Applications for
dismissals under this rule may be made by the prosecuting attorney or the defendant or by the court
on its own motion.
a. When an adult is arrested for the commission of a public offense, or, in the case of a child, when
the juvenile court enters an order waiving jurisdiction pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.45, and an
indictment is not found against the defendant within 45 days, the court must order the prosecution
to be dismissed, unless good cause to the contrary is shown or the defendant waives the defendant’s
right thereto.
b. If a defendant indicted for a public offense has not waived the defendant’s right to a speedy trial
the defendant must be brought to trial within 90 days after indictment is found or the court must order
the indictment to be dismissed unless good cause to the contrary be shown.
c. All criminal cases must be brought to trial within one year after the defendant’s initial
arraignment pursuant to rule 2.8 unless an extension is granted by the court, upon a showing of good
cause.
d. If the court directs the prosecution to be dismissed, the defendant, if in custody, must be
discharged, or the defendant’s bail, if any, exonerated, and if money has been deposited instead of
bail, it must be refunded to the defendant.
2.33(3) Jury impaneled outside of county. For purposes of this section, when a jury is to be
impaneled from outside the county under rule 2.11(10)(d), a defendant is deemed to have been
brought to trial as of the day when the trial commences in the county in which jury selection takes
place.
2.33(4) Change of venue after jury selection commenced. Whenever a change of venue is granted
pursuant to Iowa Code section 803.2, the defendant may be brought to trial within 30 days of the grant
of the change of venue, notwithstanding rule 2.33(2)(b).
[66GA, ch 1245(2), §1301; amendment 1979; amendment 1980; amendment 1982; 82 Acts, ch 1021, §5,
effective July 1, 1983; Report November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002]
Rule 2.34 Motions, orders and other papers.
2.34(1) Motions. An application to the court for an order shall be by motion. A motion other than
one made during a trial or hearing shall be in writing unless the court permits it to be made orally. It
shall state the grounds upon which it is made and shall set forth the relief or order sought. It may be
supported by affidavit.
2.34(2) Service of motions, orders and papers. Service and filing of written motions, notices,
orders and other similar papers shall be in the manner provided in civil actions.
[66GA, ch 1245(2), §1301; Report November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002; June 29, 2009, effective
August 28, 2009]
Rule 2.35 Rules of court.
2.35(1) District court practice rules. The supreme court and district court shall have authority to
adopt rules governing practice in the district court which are not inconsistent with these rules and
applicable statutes.
2.35(2) Procedures not specified. If no procedure is specifically prescribed by these rules or by
statute, the court may proceed in any lawful manner not inconsistent therewith.
[66GA, ch 1245(2), §1301; 67GA, ch 153, §78; Report November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002]