State v. Merrill

¶1 This appeal of attorney sanctions is before us again after remand. In 2011, the trial court sanctioned defense attorney Matthew Harget for twice contacting crime victims without a victim/witness advocate present. The victims of Mr. Harget’s client exercised their rights under RCW 7.69.030(10) to have an advocate present at any prosecution or defense interview. Mr. Harget appealed, and this court remanded for the trial court to determine whether Mr. Harget’s contact fell under the safe harbor provisions of RCW 7.69.030(10). This court also determined that the court failed to make a finding…