State v. Acosta

The issue in this case is whether, in a prosecution for second degree assault under RCW 9A.36-.020(l)(b), the State must disprove a defendant's claim of self-defense. The Court of Appeals held that the State need not do so, and affirmed petitioner's conviction. State v. *614Acosta, 34 Wn. App. 387, 661 P.2d 602 (1983). We reverse the Court of Appeals and remand for a new trial.

Petitioner David Acosta met Kimberly Polmateer in a Portland bar on October 13, 1980. They later decided to drive to Vancouver in Polmateer's car. They parked in a dark alley and smoked some marijuana. Petitioner testified…