State v. Whitty

The defendant-appellant, Thomas J. Whitty, has filed a “Petition for Bail Pending Appeal” asking this court to release him on bail while his appeal is pending in District II of the Court of Appeals. Because of the importance of the procedural issues raised, we have decided to publish this opinion explaining our reasons for denying this petition.

The following chronology of significant events in this case will aid in understanding the issues presented by this petition:

March 16, 1978 — The jury returned a verdict finding the defendant guilty of sexual assault and burglary

April 19, 1978 — The…