State v. Barton

¶1 This case centers on article I, section 20 of the Washington State Constitution and its mandate that criminal defendants “shall be bailable by sufficient sureties.” Peter Barton’s bail was set at $500,000; invoking Criminal Rule (CrR) 3.2(b)(4), the trial court ordered that Barton post 10 percent of that amount with the registry of the court in cash or other security. Barton claims this order violates his guaranty to bail by sufficient sureties.

Stephens, J.

¶2 We hold that article I, section 20 means a defendant must be allowed the option to secure bail via a surety, as distinct from cash…