State v. Hicks

Bobby Lee Hicks appeals his conviction of second degree robbery. We hold that the trial court's refusal to instruct on the good faith claim of title defense was prejudicial error and remand for a new trial.

Facts

Hicks and the victim, Joseph Stills, were lifelong friends and, at the time of the incident, resided in the same hotel in downtown Seattle. The two men were ex-boxers and evidence at trial suggested they were both slightly punch-drunk. On January 8, 1982, Stills withdrew $1,176.20 from his bank account. He returned to the hotel, paid his rent, and encountered Hicks in the lobby. It was…