COMPROMISE OF MISDEMEANORS

RCW 10.22

in effect

RCW 10.22.010 When permitted — Exceptions.

When a defendant is prosecuted in a criminal action for a misdemeanor, other than a violation of RCW 9A.48.105 , for which the person injured by the act constituting the offense has a remedy by a civil action, the offense may be compromised as provided in RCW 10.22.020 , except when it was committed: (1) By or upon an officer while in the execution of the duties of his or her office; (2) Riotously; (3) With an intent to commit a felony; or (4) By one family or household member against another or by one intimate partner against another as defined in RCW 10.99.020 and was a crime of domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020 . When a defendant is prosecuted in a criminal action for a misdemeanor, other than a violation of RCW 9A.48.105 , for which the person injured by the act constituting the offense has a remedy by a civil action, the offense may be compromised as provided in RCW 10.22.020 , except when it was committed: (1) By or upon an officer while in the execution of the duties of his or her office; (2) Riotously; (3) With an intent to commit a felony; or (4) By one family or household member against another or by one intimate partner against another as defined in RCW 10.99.020 and was a crime of domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020 .

RCW 10.22.020 Procedure — Costs.

In such case, if the party injured appear in the court in which the cause is pending at any time before the final judgment therein, and acknowledge, in writing, that he or she has received satisfaction for the injury, the court may, in its discretion, on payment of the costs incurred, order all proceedings to be discontinued and the defendant to be discharged. The reasons for making the order must be set forth therein and entered in the minutes. Such order is a bar to another prosecution for the same offense. In such case, if the party injured appear in the court in which the cause is pending at any time before the final judgment therein, and acknowledge, in writing, that he or she has received satisfaction for the injury, the court may, in its discretion, on payment of the costs incurred, order all proceedings to be discontinued and the defendant to be discharged. The reasons for making the order must be set forth therein and entered in the minutes. Such order is a bar to another prosecution for the same offense.

RCW 10.22.030 Compromise in all other cases forbidden.

No offense can be compromised, nor can any proceedings for the prosecution or punishment thereof be stayed upon a compromise, except as provided in this chapter. No offense can be compromised, nor can any proceedings for the prosecution or punishment thereof be stayed upon a compromise, except as provided in this chapter.

Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=10.22&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026