State v. Springer-Ertl

[¶ 1.] The circuit court judge, sitting as a committing magistrate at preliminary hearing, found probable cause to bind the defendant over for trial on charges of attempting to influence jurors. Approximately one month later, the circuit court judge concluded there was no probable cause and dismissed the information. State appeals, claiming lack of probable cause is not appropriate grounds for dismissal. We reverse and remand for trial.

FACTS

[¶ 2.] Shawn Springer was scheduled to be tried for robbery, kidnapping, and murder in Bennett County on August 5, 1996. The charges stemmed from the…