State v. Johnston

Ellen P. Johnston was charged in Superior Court for Clallam County with the crime of first degree theft (embezzling in excess of $1,500 from her employer during the month of November 1979). Upon her failure to comply with a pretrial discovery order, 1 the court held her in contempt and imposed sanctions. She appealed and the State moved for a stay of the trial which had been set for May 19, 1980. Ms. Johnston opposed the stay on the ground that she would thereby be denied a right of speedy trial. We granted the stay and ordered accelerated review. We reverse the contempt order and remand the…