Shoplifting Civil Penalties

In Washington State if you are caught shoplifting you can be held liable to the store for a civil penalty in the amount of $100 to $650 plus legal fees and the value of the merchandise.  RCW 4.24.230. 

Stores typically send suspects a civil demand letter threatening legal action if the amount is not paid.  As in any civil action, the amount demanded can be negotiated.  Payment of the civil penalty is not advisable in every case, however, payment can sometimes have a positive impact on the criminal case.  Payment of the civil penalty does not prevent criminal prosecution for theft.

Access To Your Criminal History

The Washington State Patrol offers a website that enables you to retreive a copy of your criminal record. The Washington Access To Criminal History (WATCH) website link is: http://watch.wsp.wa.gov/.
Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and select the option best for you. The fee for this service is $10.00.

The following are reasons why you might want to check your record: 1) to make sure it is accurate 2) for employment purposes 3) identity theft.

DUI Rule #2

Rule #2: If you are in the unfortunate position of being pulled over after having consumed alcohol, safely pull over to the right side of the roadway, and as the officer approaches place both hands on the steering wheel.

DUI Rule #1

The most effective way to prevent a DUI conviction is to never get arrested. Rule #1 is the best way to avoid this from happening: "Do not drink too much and then drive."

In the unfortunate situation in which you have, Rule #2 will follow shortly.