If you're facing criminal charges, you have the right to a speedy trial. Learn what this means, and when and why you should waive it.The answer is "not really". It can easily take over two years from arrest to trial on felony cases and over six months on misdemeanor cases. North Carolina no longer has a true "speedy trial" statute that mandates bringing criminal cases to trial within a specified amount of time. Standard 12-2.2 Commencement and setting of speedy trial time limit. Your right to a speedy trial is automatic. You do not need to ask for a speedy trial. A small claims case is filed in the clerk of superior court's office in the appropriate county. The forms may be printed and completed in advance.