Opinion ID: 1819366
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: multiple-count informations

Text: Nothing we have stated in this opinion should be construed as disapproval of a multiple-count information; preclusion of a multiple-count information charging more than one offense arising from the same transaction; or prohibition against a trial under a multiple-count information. As aptly expressed by the Supreme Court of Washington in State v. Johnson, 92 Wash.2d 671, 680-81, 600 P.2d 1249, 1254 (1979): [T]he prosecutor should not be denied the right to charge the separate offenses, for he may fail to persuade the jury that the greater offense was committed, while succeeding in proving the ancillary crimes. There is no reason to deprive him of this opportunity.... A complicated criminal transaction necessarily gives rise to multiple charges and instructions, and this is a result which it is difficult to avoid if justice is to be accorded both the defendant and society.