State v. Thomas

— A criminal defendant was effectively forced to waive speedy trial in order to have new defense counsel appointed when he learned, just before trial, that counsel had a conflict of interest and was unprepared to go to trial. At issue is whether the charges must be dismissed under the speedy trial rule. Because the forced waiver resulted solely from the conduct of defense counsel and the waiver was otherwise effective, there was no basis for dismissal. The conviction is affirmed.

Appellant Kenneth Thomas and his girl friend, Colleen Payne, rented a room in a house in Snohomish County. The…