Deferred Prosecution for Mental Health Issues

Deferred Prosecution is a program available to those charged with misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor crimes in Washington. RCW Chapter 10.05 lays out the framework for the program.  The program allows a defendant to avoid a conviction and its penalties by entering into and successfully completing the program.  The defendant has to state under oath that … Read more

Deferred Prosecution for Indigent Defendants

Deferred Prosecution for Indigent Defendants   On January 17, 2013, the Washington Supreme Court en banc, recently decided that Washington law does not require the court to pay for an indigent defendant’s treatment while in deferred prosecution. RCW 10.05.130 is relevant statute and states that: “[F]unds shall be appropriated from the fines and forfeitures of … Read more