State v. Hutchins

The state appeals the dismissal of an information filed against defendant. The issue is whether defendant’s right to a speedy trial was violated when the police delayed over six months in executing a warrant for defendant’s arrest.

On November 3, 1974, defendant left her employment at a Newport motel without leaving a forwarding address. She departed in the company of Linda Rice (Rice), a lifelong friend. The same day, the management of the motel reported a theft of approximately $200 to the Newport Police Department. A police officer investigated by interviewing the motel owner, the manager,…