State v. Johnson

Defendant Rollie E. Johnson appeals from his conviction of taking and riding in a stolen automobile in violation of RCW 9.54.020. His assignments of error are that he was denied counsel and that the trial court commented on the evidence.

Defendant and one Ira Trimble are jointly charged but, for convenience, Mr. Johnson will be referred to as the defendant. Mr. Trimble pleaded guilty and sentence was deferred on condition he serve 4 months in the county jail. Subsequently, the prosecutor questioned Mr. Trimble as to defendant’s participation in the events which culminated in the charge against…