State v. Montano

¶1 — This case asks us to consider — in the context of a Knapstad1 dismissal — what evidence is necessary for the State to make a prima facie showing that a defendant violated RCW 9A.76.180, the intimidation of a public servant statute. Specifically, we must determine whether a judge or jury may infer, from threats and other actions, that a defendant attempted to influence an official action by a public servant. The trial court ruled that, in the absence of direct evidence of such an attempt, the prosecution failed to make a prima facie case of intimidation. The Court of Appeals reversed, and…