State v. Ryan

Hearsay statements of child victims of sexual abuse are conditionally admissible in criminal trials under RCW 9A.44.120. Defendant (appellant) John Ryan was convicted in Okanogan County of two counts of indecent liberties in a trial where hearsay statements of the two alleged victims were admitted under this statutory exception to the hearsay rule. Division Three of the Court of Appeals certified to this court the question whether RCW 9A.44.120 violates the confrontation clauses of the state and federal constitutions. The admission of the statements did not comply with the statute's…