How much time is enough to prove innocence?

On TV, crimes and their punishments can occur within one hour. In real life, it takes much longer than that to even get a court date, which can sometimes be years later. After delays, motions, and continuances, there is more than enough time for defendants to prove their innocence. In the case of Dr. Robert Mott of McKinleyville, charges for medical cases date all the way back to 2004 and he still isn't in court. Is this fair to his patients that he could be harming in the meanwhile? I don't think so.