State v. Primrose

Defendant John D. Primrose appeals his jury conviction of first degree bail jumping. RCW 9A.76-.170. Defendant concedes that he failed to appear at a preliminary hearing, with knowledge that such appearance was required, after being released on bail in connection with a first degree robbery charge. However, he maintains that the trial court's instructions improperly took away the issue of lawful excuse. We agree and reverse the conviction.

We must first dispose of defendant's complaints that his constitutional speedy trial rights were violated because the State delayed filing bail jumping…