State v. Allen

In a jury trial, the respondent was found guilty on three counts of asking and receiving a bribe. The Superior Court granted a new trial, based upon its failure to give an instruction advising the jury of its duty to consider evidence which was introduced with respect to the respondent's good character, as bearing upon the question of his guilt or innocence. The State has appealed.

The respondent, an exconvict, was employed by the Seattle Municipal Court Probation Service as a community service counselor. As such, it was his responsibility to place municipal court probationers in community…