Court Opinion

ID: 9552489
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 19:11:43.313908+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:27:16.421334
License: Public Domain

Williams, J.
(dissenting) — I do not believe that the motion for a continuance of the trial date beyond the 60-day period was properly granted because it was not supported by facts adequate to justify the delay. State v. Jack, 87 Wn.2d 467, 553 P.2d 1347 (1976); State v. Walker, 16 Wn. App. 637, 557 P.2d 1330 (1976); State v. Espeland, 13 Wn. App. 849, 537 P.2d 1041 (1975). Indeed, no facts were established at all. The court acted only upon the following representations of the prosecuting attorney:
*382Ms. Geiger: Your Honor, as the Court will recall yesterday, this case has been kind of replete with problems, and a new problem has arisen which necessitates the State asking for a continuance.
As the Court will recall when we first came into court, I indicated to the Court that one of the victims had suffered a ruptured ear drum, and he was unable to be in court. He's flat on his back.
We sorted through the evidence, and decided that in fact we would attempt to continue in his absence. We began the court proceeding, and when we went downstairs on a recess, I found out that Officer Beard's father had passed away, and he left to attend the funeral back in Minnesota. We recessed for a period of time so that I could go back and look over the evidence and see if we could carry on.
We looked it over, and decided that yes, we could proceed, using another officer who was with Officer Beard at the time. We put out the word that we would need the other officer, and the police began looking for Officer Lorenzo. I was notified at 11 o'clock last night, that the Seattle Police cannot locate him. He changed his plans and has left the area.
We're unable to locate Officer Lorenzo at this time, and I believe it's a matter of — We have tried to kind of piece the case together, and attempt to proceed in the absence of each of the witnesses, but now missing three witnesses, we feel that in fact we are not able to proceed at this time with the State's case as it is substantially damaged.
The attorney for the State then told the court of the need for the testimony of the persons mentioned and said that:
in the interest of justice, to find that a continuance is required; that the defendants would not be substantially prejudiced by the delay, and, furthermore, that the State's evidence is unavailable.
On this basis, the court found that:
a continuance of the trial is necessary because Moo Min Mar is physically unable to appear in court for one week because of illness; Joe Beard had a death in the family and is in Minnesota; Michael Lorenzo cannot be located *383but is expected to return Sept. 1, 1977. They are necessary and material witnesses for the complete presentation of the State's case.
That one of the victims was flat on his back with an earache may have been significant, but the court was not apprised of it. There is no proof that Officer Beard, who was only a few hours away by commercial airline, would disobey the subpoena. Officer Lorenzo, although under subpoena, had vanished, but there was no proof of how long he would be gone or how necessary his testimony was. I suspect he would have reported in long before he was needed if a bench warrant had been issued. No application was made for one.
The motion for continuance was heard and granted on August 23, 1977, the morning of the day that the case was set for trial. It was an involved case, a number of witnesses had been endorsed; there was a jury to select and opening statements to be made. Under these circumstances, there is no reason, at least the trial court was told of none, why the case had to be continued beyond September 2 when the 60-day limit expired. Certainly one of the officers could have been induced to obey his subpoena. In the meantime, Yuen and Kwan were in jail.
Yuen and Kwan should be released because of the gross violation of the 60-day rule.
Reconsideration denied June 26, 1979.
Review denied by Supreme Court October 12, 1979.