Opinion ID: 2617087
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Discretion to Hear a Second PRP

Text: This Court also has the discretion to reach the merits of Shumway's conviction if Shumway were to file a second PRP directly to this Court. The State asserts that because Shumway has already filed one PRP in the Washington courts she is barred from filing a second. While the general rule is a prisoner may file only one PRP in Washington courts, this Court recently affirmed its authority to hear a successive PRP for good cause. In re Personal Restraint of Johnson, 131 Wash.2d 558, 933 P.2d 1019 (1997). The State further contends that in any event this Court cannot entertain a second petition because one year has lapsed since Shumway's sentence became final, see RAP 16.4(d), as RCW 10.73.090 provides a one-year statute of limitations on collateral attacks on sentences or judgments in criminal cases. However, there are six exceptions to the one-year limitation. RCW 10.73.100. For example, if Shumway can make a proper showing that newly discovered evidence (RCW 10.73.100(1)) explains why counsel erred in not including the remaining issues in the original PRP, the one-year bar would not apply. Further, if counsel can make a proper showing that Shumway was not notified of the one-year limit, the time limit would not apply. In re Personal Restraint of Vega, 118 Wash.2d 449, 823 P.2d 1111 (1992). The majority dismisses the possibility of Shumway's filing a second PRP by simply asserting such a PRP is barred by the applicable statute of limitations and would not fit into one of the exceptions. Majority at 356-357. However, once again the majority answers the wrong question. The question is whether this Court may, not whether it would, grant a second PRP upon a proper showing by Shumway. This Court has not been called upon to examine the merits of Shumway's claims of good cause. Rather, we are called upon to determine if it is still possible for her to obtain review by this Court of her second PRP. The answer to that question must be in the affirmative. ALEXANDER, J., concurs.