For the fifth straight time, no plea and election in the case against Okotoks landowner Eddie Maurice.

He was back in court Friday, May 18, but his Lawyer, Tonii Roulston again reserved plea as they wait for an RCMP ballistics report that the Crown says could take eight to 12 months to complete.

Roulston says they can't move ahead without it.

"That report in our view, from defence perspective and likely from the Crown's perspective is integral to this case and these allegations against Eddie."

Asked if it's a possibility, the most serious of the offences Maurice is charged with could be dropped at his next court appearance, Roulston said "I can't speak to that unfortunately. But if it were up to me, and I had the authority to do it then yes, this would be." she went on to say "She always thinks it's a possibility that could happen."

Roulston says they have been talking with the Crown and says "In fairness, they (the Crown), have been very candid with the delay in obtaining a report from the RCMP."

She was also quick to add that if the report does take eight to 12 months, then that's the earliest any trial would actually start.

Roulston says at that point it could run afoul of Supreme Court decisions about the accused right to a trial in a timely manner.

She says some cases have 12 month windows, others have 30 months.

"But it all depends on the election made by the accused. Because he has a right to have a trial in a timely manner."

Maurice will be back in court Friday, June 22, where the Judge says he expects to see progress in this matter.