Washington V. Minnix

Gary Lee Minnix appeals his convictions for rape in the first degree and burglary in the first degree. He challenges the trial court's finding that he was competent to stand trial, claiming that collateral estoppel precludes such a finding because of an earlier finding of incompetency by the King County Superior Court. He also contends that the evidence does not support a competency determination; that the trial court's refusal to determine Minnix's ability to enter a guilty plea undermines the determination of competency to stand trial; that the trial court's reasons for imposing an exceptional sentence were inadequate; and that his sentence was excessive. We affirm.