A woman was the subject of a murder investigation. The inves…
A woman was the subject of a murder investigation. The investigation continued for more than two years, with the woman frequently being called in for questioning. Finally, the woman was indicted for the murder. The woman’s lawyer filed a motion to dismiss all charges against her, arguing that the excessively long investigatory period violated the woman’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. Despite the pending motion, the woman decided that she wanted to “get it over with,” and she told the judge that she wished to plead guilty. The judge then explained the charges to the woman and asked her if she understood them. She replied, “Yes.” The judge then asked the woman if she understood that she was not required to plead guilty. She responded in the affirmative. Finally, the judge described the maximum sentence and asked the woman if she understood that she could receive the maximum sentence, which was life imprisonment. She again responded, “Yes,” and maintained that she still wished to plead guilty. The judge accepted the woman’s plea and sentenced her to 30 years’ imprisonment in the state penitentiary. Six months later, the woman filed a motion to set aside the guilty plea. Which of the following provides the best argument that the woman has a constitutional basis for relief?