State v. Denton

Mark Denton invoked, the spousal privilege to prevent his wife from testifying against him. The trial court allowed her to testify, after finding the marriage invalid for lack of a marriage license. The ruling was in error. In Washington, failure to procure a license does not invalidate a ceremonial marriage. Denton’s conviction for theft is reversed.

In 1986, Denton was active in the Bellevue Jaycees, a nonprofit community service organization whose members were involved in various charitable fund-raising projects. Denton set up and operated a Fourth of July fireworks stand to raise money for…