YAKIMA, Wash. – Jim Curtice, the Yakima County Coroner, appeared in court today for a pre-trial hearing. Curtice is facing three charges, including official misconduct, making false statements to a public servant, and tampering with evidence.
Curtice, who has been on administrative leave since September of last year, attended the hearing at the Yakima County District Courthouse. During the hearing, Judge Brian Sanderson addressed Curtice directly.
"I've been handed a waiver of speedy trial. All right, Mr. Curtis, do you understand this waiver of speedy trial?" asked Judge Sanderson.
"Yes, Your Honor," Curtice responded.
Judge Sanderson continued, "And, sir, is this what you want to do?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Curtice replied.
Under the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, criminal defendants in the U.S. have a right to a speedy and public trial. Curtice exercised this right, meaning his trial must begin within a set time period.
The prosecuting attorney for Yakima County, Don Anderson, and Curtice's defense counsel, Bill Picket, discussed potential dates for the next court appearance. Judge Sanderson concluded with a decision.
"We're going to go ahead and see you back on May 2nd. Would you please come forward at this time for that date?...[and] We've got a speedy trial now on June 19th," said Judge Sanderson.
Currently, Curtice is on a self-imposed administrative leave. Meanwhile, the Justice League of Yakima is circulating petitions to recall Curtice.
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