Case Name: The State of Washington, Respondent, v. Robert Wayne Willis, Appellant
Court: Washington Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Washington
Decision Date: 1971-02-01
Citations: 4 Wash. App. 184
Docket Number: No. 406-1
Parties: The State of Washington, Respondent, v. Robert Wayne Willis, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Washington Appellate Reports
Volume: 4
Pages: 184–185

Head Matter:
[No. 406-1.
Division One—Panel 2.
February 1, 1971.]
The State of Washington, Respondent, v. Robert Wayne Willis, Appellant.
Stanley L. Conroy and Richard N. Pratt, for appellant.
Christopher T. Bayley, Prosecuting Attorney, and Roy N. Howson, Deputy, for respondent.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
Robert Willis was charged with reckless driving. His trial, without a jury, resulted in a finding of guilt.
One question is presented. In a criminal trial, without jury, may arrests for other offenses disposed of by forfeiture of bail be considered in judging a defendant's credibility? The trial judge believed that such evidence should be considered.
We disagree. Only convictions of other crimes may be considered as affecting a criminal defendant's credibility. RCW 5.60.040; RCW 10.52.030; State v. McVeigh, 35 Wn.2d 493, 214 P.2d 165 (1950). A decision to forfeit bail is not tantamount to an admission of guilt.
Reversed and remanded for a new trial.