"I really believe this case will be moved from Durham, and the defense will want a speedy trial, and maybe trial by a judge."
All logical, but this is Durham, remember. The judge may not want to face a hostile local reaction (especially if he himself is black and will suffer being ostracized and will probably have to move somewhere else, if he rules in favor of the defense).
"I guess the next big day is May 15th."
This is also Duke Graduation day, so all the students will be leaving town or will have left by then.
At that point the AV may declare she doesn't want to press charges, so the DA will be off the hook.
All logical, but this is Durham, remember. The judge may not want to face a hostile local reaction (especially if he himself is black and will suffer being ostracized and will probably have to move somewhere else, if he rules in favor of the defense).
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I would be shocked if a COV was not granted. I cannot think of another case this high profile in which ajudge did not grant a COV.
It is a basic thing to do in a media frezied case.