The State of Washington v. Peter Richard Barton

Summary

The Washington Supreme Court held that Article I, section 20 of the Washington Constitution guarantees a defendant the option to secure bail through a third‑party surety, distinct from cash or other security. The trial court's order requiring a cash‑only deposit violated this guarantee, so the order was vacated and the case remanded for further proceedings consistent with the opinion. A concurring opinion agreed on the surety right but argued that the underlying rule, CrR 3.2(b)(4), is itself unconstitutional.