CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

 

                   ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL 1007

 

 

                   Chapter 322, Laws of 1999

 

 

                        56th Legislature

                      1999 Regular Session

 

 

COUNTERFEITING

 

 

 

                    EFFECTIVE DATE:  7/25/99

Passed by the House April 24, 1999

  Yeas 96   Nays 0

 

 

        JOHN E. PENNINGTON, JR.

Speaker of the House of Representatives

     

 

 

              FRANK CHOPP

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

 

Passed by the Senate April 22, 1999

  Yeas 45   Nays 0

             CERTIFICATE

 

We, Dean R. Foster and Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL 1007  as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.

 

 

 

           DEAN R. FOSTER

                          Chief Clerk

 

 

          TIMOTHY A. MARTIN

                          Chief Clerk

               BRAD OWEN

President of the Senate

 

 

 

Approved May 14, 1999 Place Style On Codes above, and Style Off Codes below.          

                                FILED                

 

             May 14, 1999 - 6:32 p.m.

 

              GARY LOCKE

Governor of the State of Washington

                 Secretary of State

                 State of Washington


          _______________________________________________

 

                     ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL 1007

          _______________________________________________

 

                     AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

 

             Passed Legislature - 1999 Regular Session

 

State of Washington      56th Legislature     1999 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Ballasiotes, O'Brien, Radcliff, Benson, Quall, Mitchell, Cairnes and Morris

 

Read first time 01/11/1999.  Referred to Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.

Changing provisions relating to counterfeited intellectual property.   


    AN ACT Relating to counterfeiting; amending RCW 9.16.030 and 9.94A.440; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320; adding new sections to chapter 9.16 RCW; repealing RCW 9.16.040; and prescribing penalties.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 9.16 RCW to read as follows:

    The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

    (1) "Counterfeit mark" means:

    (a) Any unauthorized reproduction or copy of intellectual property; or

    (b) Intellectual property affixed to any item knowingly sold, offered for sale, manufactured, or distributed, or identifying services offered or rendered, without the authority of the owner of the intellectual property.

    (2) "Intellectual property" means any trademark, service mark, trade name, label, term, device, design, or work adopted or used by a person to identify such person's goods or services.  Intellectual property does not have exclusive use rights to trade names registered under chapter 19.80 RCW.

    (3) "Retail value" means the counterfeiter's regular selling price for the item or service bearing or identified by the counterfeit mark.  In the case of items bearing a counterfeit mark which are components of a finished product, the retail value shall be the counterfeiter's regular selling price of the finished product on or in which the component would be utilized.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 9.16.030 and 1909 c 249 s 344 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((Every person who shall use or display or have in his possession with intent to use or display, the genuine label, trademark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement of any person, corporation, association or union, lawfully filed for record in the office of the secretary of state, or the exclusive right to use which is guaranteed to any person, corporation, association or union, by the laws of the United States, without the written authority of such person, corporation, association or union, or who shall wilfully forge or counterfeit or use or display or have in his possession with intent to use or display any representation, likeness, similitude, copy or imitation of any genuine label, trademark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement, so filed or protected, or any die, plate, stamp or other device for manufacturing the same, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.))  Any person who willfully and knowingly, and for financial gain, manufactures, uses, displays, advertises, distributes, offers for sale, sells or possesses with intent to sell or distribute any item, or offers any services, bearing or identified by a counterfeit mark, is guilty of the crime of counterfeiting.

    Any state or federal certificate of registration of any intellectual property is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 9.16 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) Counterfeiting is a misdemeanor, except as provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section.

    (2) Counterfeiting is a gross misdemeanor if:

    (a) The defendant has previously been convicted under RCW 9.16.030; or

    (b) The violation involves more than one hundred but fewer than one thousand items bearing a counterfeit mark or the total retail value of all items bearing a counterfeit mark or the total retail value of all items bearing, or services identified by, a counterfeit mark is more than one thousand dollars but less than ten thousand dollars.

    (3) Counterfeiting is a class C felony if:

    (a) The defendant has been previously convicted of two or more offenses under RCW 9.16.030;

    (b) The violation involves the manufacture or production of items bearing counterfeit marks; or

    (c) The violation involves one thousand or more items bearing a counterfeit mark or the total retail value of all items bearing, or services identified by, a counterfeit mark is ten thousand dollars or more.

    (4) Counterfeiting is a class C felony if:

    (a) The violation involves the manufacture, production, or distribution of items bearing counterfeit marks; and

    (b) The defendant knew or should have known that the counterfeit items, by their intended use, endangered the health or safety of others.

    (5) For purposes of this section, the quantity or retail value of items or services shall include the aggregate quantity or retail value of all items bearing, or services identified by, every counterfeit mark the defendant manufactures, uses, displays, advertises, distributes, possesses, or possesses with intent to sell.

    (6) A person guilty of counterfeiting shall be fined an amount up to three times the retail value of the items bearing, or services identified by, a counterfeit mark, unless extenuating circumstances are shown by the defendant.

    (7) The penalties provided for in this section are cumulative and do not affect any other civil and criminal penalties provided by law.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 9.16 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) Any items bearing a counterfeit mark, and all personal property employed or used in connection with counterfeiting, including but not limited to, any items, objects, tools, machines, equipment, instruments, or vehicles of any kind, shall be seized by any law enforcement officer.

    All seized personal property referenced in this subsection shall be forfeited in accordance with RCW 10.105.010.

    (2) Upon request of the intellectual property owner, all seized items bearing a counterfeit mark shall be released to the intellectual property owner for destruction or disposition.

    (3) If the intellectual property owner does not request release of seized items bearing a counterfeit mark, such items shall be destroyed unless the intellectual property owner consents to another disposition.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 9.94A.320 and 1998 c 290 s 4, 1998 c 219 s 4, 1998 c 82 s 1, and 1998 c 78 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

   

                              TABLE 2

 

           CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

 

XVAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

 

XIVMurder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

    Homicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

    Malicious explosion 1 (RCW 70.74.280(1))

 

XIIIMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

    Malicious explosion 2 (RCW 70.74.280(2))

    Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1))

 

XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

    Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)

    Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

    Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

    Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))

 

XIRape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

    Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

    Manslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

 

XKidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

    Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

    Malicious explosion 3 (RCW 70.74.280(3))

    Over 18 and deliver heroin, a narcotic from Schedule I or II, or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV to someone under 18 (RCW 69.50.406)

    Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

    Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

    Manufacture of methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

 

IXAssault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)

    Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

    Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

    Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2))

    Over 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic, except flunitrazepam, from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

    Controlled Substance Homicide (RCW 69.50.415)

    Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)

    Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))

    Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 88.12.029)

 

VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

    Selling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (RCW 69.50.410)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or cocaine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Deliver or possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver amphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

    Possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.440)

    Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (RCW 88.12.029)

    Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

 

VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

    Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)

    Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 88.12.029)

    Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

    Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))

    Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

    Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

    Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

    Involving a minor in drug dealing (RCW 69.50.401(f))

    Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)

    Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(a))

    Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3))

 

VIBribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

    Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

    Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

    Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))

    Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule I or II (except heroin or cocaine) or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

    Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

    Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(a))

    Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)

 

VPersistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070)

Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

Abandonment of dependent person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060)

    Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

    Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

    Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

    Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

    Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

    Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

    Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

    Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

    Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

    Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

    Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

    Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(b))

    Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105)

    Delivery of imitation controlled substance by person eighteen or over to person under eighteen (RCW 69.52.030(2))

    Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310)

 

IVResidential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)

    Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

    Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

    Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

    Arson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

    Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)

    Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

    Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

    Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)

    Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

    Hit and Run‑-Injury Accident (RCW 46.52.020(4))

    Hit and Run with Vessel‑-Injury Accident (RCW 88.12.155(3))

    Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)

    Assault by Watercraft (RCW 88.12.032)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana, amphetamine, methamphetamines, or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1) (iii) through (v))

    Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

    Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

    Knowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

           Counterfeiting (section 3(4) of this act)

 

IIICriminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120)

    Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

    Abandonment of dependent person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070)

    Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

    Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

    Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

    Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)

    Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)

    Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(b))

    Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

    Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

    Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

    Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

    Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

    Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

    Patronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

    Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

    Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

    Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(c))

    Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

    Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

    Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(iii))

    Delivery of a material in lieu of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(c))

    Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance (RCW 69.52.030(1))

    Recklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

    Theft of livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.080)

    Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)

 

IIUnlawful Practice of Law (RCW 2.48.180)

Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

    Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)

    Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)

    Class B Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

    Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW 48.30A.015)

    Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))

    Health Care False Claims (RCW 48.80.030)

    Possession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Possession of phencyclidine (PCP) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Create, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

    Computer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

    Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)

           Counterfeiting (section 3(3) of this act)

 

ITheft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

    Class C Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

    Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

    Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

    Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

    Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

    Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

    Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

    Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

    Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

    Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

    False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

    Forged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

    Forged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

    Possess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (except phencyclidine or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

 

    Sec. 6.  RCW 9.94A.440 and 1996 c 93 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Decision not to prosecute.

    STANDARD:  A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.

    GUIDELINE/COMMENTARY:

    Examples

    The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard.

    (a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute.

    (b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that:

    (i) It has not been enforced for many years; and

    (ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence; and

    (iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and

    (iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature.

    This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce.

    (c) De Minimus Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution.

    (d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and

    (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;

    (ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and

    (iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.

    (e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and

    (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;

    (ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent;

    (iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and

    (iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.

    (f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question.  This reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases.

    (g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.

    (h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused's information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest.

    (i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations:

    (i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury;

    (ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered;

    (iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society.

    Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused.

    The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced.

    Notification

    The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute.

    (2) Decision to prosecute.

    STANDARD:

    Crimes against persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact-finder.  With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040, 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, 9A.44.089, and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be provided pursuant to RCW 9.94A.120(8).

    Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact-finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised.

    See table below for the crimes within these categories.

 

        CATEGORIZATION OF CRIMES FOR PROSECUTING STANDARDS

 

    CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

    Aggravated Murder

    1st Degree Murder

    2nd Degree Murder

    1st Degree Kidnaping

    1st Degree Assault

    1st Degree Assault of a Child

    1st Degree Rape

    1st Degree Robbery

    1st Degree Rape of a Child

    1st Degree Arson

    2nd Degree Kidnaping

    2nd Degree Assault

    2nd Degree Assault of a Child

    2nd Degree Rape

    2nd Degree Robbery

    1st Degree Burglary

    1st Degree Manslaughter

    2nd Degree Manslaughter

    1st Degree Extortion

    Indecent Liberties

    Incest

    2nd Degree Rape of a Child

    Vehicular Homicide

    Vehicular Assault

    3rd Degree Rape

    3rd Degree Rape of a Child

    1st Degree Child Molestation

    2nd Degree Child Molestation

    3rd Degree Child Molestation

    2nd Degree Extortion

    1st Degree Promoting Prostitution

    Intimidating a Juror

    Communication with a Minor

    Intimidating a Witness

    Intimidating a Public Servant

    Bomb Threat (if against person)

    3rd Degree Assault

    3rd Degree Assault of a Child

    Unlawful Imprisonment

    Promoting a Suicide Attempt

    Riot (if against person)

    Counterfeiting (if a violation of section 3(4) of this act)

 

    CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY/OTHER CRIMES

    2nd Degree Arson

    1st Degree Escape

    2nd Degree Burglary

    1st Degree Theft

    1st Degree Perjury

    1st Degree Introducing Contraband

    1st Degree Possession of Stolen Property

    Bribery

    Bribing a Witness

    Bribe received by a Witness

    Bomb Threat (if against property)

    1st Degree Malicious Mischief

    2nd Degree Theft

    2nd Degree Escape

    2nd Degree Introducing Contraband

    2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property

    2nd Degree Malicious Mischief

    1st Degree Reckless Burning

    Taking a Motor Vehicle without Authorization

    Forgery

    2nd Degree Perjury

    2nd Degree Promoting Prostitution

    Tampering with a Witness

    Trading in Public Office

    Trading in Special Influence

    Receiving/Granting Unlawful Compensation

    Bigamy

    Eluding a Pursuing Police Vehicle

    Willful Failure to Return from Furlough

    Escape from Community Custody

    Riot (if against property)

    Thefts of Livestock

 

    ALL OTHER UNCLASSIFIED FELONIES

    Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge

    (1) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of defendant's conduct.  Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:

    (a) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or

    (b) Will result in restitution to all victims.

    (2) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea.  Overcharging includes:

    (a) Charging a higher degree;

    (b) Charging additional counts.

    This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a defendant's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication.  Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.

 

    GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:

    Police Investigation

    A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute.  The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made.  In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following:

    (1) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible;

    (2) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and

    (3) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events.

    If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include.

    Exceptions

    In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if:

    (1) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and

    (2) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or

    (3) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime.

    In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner.  If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed.

    Investigation Techniques

    The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including:

    (1) Polygraph testing;

    (2) Hypnosis;

    (3) Electronic surveillance;

    (4) Use of informants.

    Pre-Filing Discussions with Defendant

    Discussions with the defendant or his/her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached.

    Pre-Filing Discussions with Victim(s)

    Discussions with the victim(s) or victims' representatives regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur before the filing of charges.  The discussions may be considered by the prosecutor in charging and disposition decisions, and should be considered before reaching any agreement with the defendant regarding these decisions.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7.  RCW 9.16.040 (Displaying goods with false trademark) and 1909 c 249 s 345 are each repealed.


    Passed the House April 24, 1999.

    Passed the Senate April 22, 1999.

Approved by the Governor May 14, 1999.

    Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 14, 1999.