what kind of lawyer to collect superior court ordered restitution in tacoma wa

by Thora Kris DVM 5 min read

What can a Washington state court order for restitution?

A Washington state court can order restitution for a variety of expenses including funeral costs in homicide cases, lost wages due to crime-related injuries, medical and counseling expenses, and lost, damaged, or destroyed property.

How does the Washington state criminal court system reimburse victims?

In the state of Washington, the criminal court system provides two ways that crime victims can obtain reimbursement for the damages they’ve suffered as the result of a crime. Victims may be reimbursed through the state’s crime victim compensation statutes or by a judge’s order to a convicted offender to pay restitution.

Who is the victim of restitution?

Typically, restitution is paid to the person or persons who directly sustained losses and/or injury due to the offender’s crime. In most states, a crime “victim” can be a person or persons, a business, a nonprofit, or a government agency.

When is the county clerk authorized to collect unpaid restitution?

The county clerk is authorized to collect unpaid restitution at any time the offender remains under the jurisdiction of the court for purposes of his or her legal financial obligations.

Does restitution expire in Washington state?

All court-ordered restitution obligations may be enforced at any time during the ten-year period following the offender's release from total confinement or within ten years of entry of the judgment and sentence, whichever period is longer.

What is Superior Court in Washington state?

Washington Superior Courts are courts of general jurisdiction. These courts have "exclusive jurisdiction for felony matters, real property rights, domestic relations, estate, mental illness, juvenile, and civil cases over $50,000". In addition, these superior courts hear appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction.

Who is the presiding judge in Pierce County Superior Court?

Honorable Clarence Henderson, Jr: Honorable Clarence Henderson, Jr.

What do the letters in a court case number mean in Washington state?

The first 2 digits of the case number are used to indicate the year the case was filed. The third digit is used to designate the case type. The next series of digits is the actual sequential number of the case beginning from "00001" in that particular year.

What is the difference between District Court and Superior Court in Washington state?

The District Court handles misdemeanors where the maximum sentence is 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections. The Superior Court has authority over all crimes and most often handles major felony cases.

What cases go to King County Superior Court?

King County Superior Court is a general jurisdiction trial court with responsibility for:Civil matters involving more than $300, unlawful detainers, and injunctions;Felony criminal cases;Misdemeanor criminal cases not otherwise provided for by law;More items...•

Who is the Pierce County judge?

Judge Kevin A. McCann | Pierce County, WA - Official Website.

How do I verify a hearing in Pierce County?

Hearings must be confirmed by noon, two (2) court days prior to the hearing date or your hearing will be cancelled. In Person: Go to Commissioner Services Department in Room 140 of the County-City Building, Tacoma, Washington and inform them you want to confirm your hearing.

How do I find my court date in King County WA?

The most up to date information is available at https://kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk/access-records/records-portal.aspx. When doing case searches for King County District Court: The most up to date information is available at King County District Court's Public Portal: https://kcdc-efiling.kingcounty.gov/ecourt/

What does W F mean in court?

Warrant or FTA Status W or F column on DCH, ICH, SNCI, CNCI. A. FTA Adjudicated. I.

Can you look up court cases online Washington State?

Are you looking for Court Information? You can use our site to search for a case or search for a person. Information on the site is updated every 24 hours at 3:00 am. Please Note: Name and Case information found on the search site is provided for use as reference material and is not the official court record.

Are court records public in Washington state?

No. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) maintains state criminal history record information. Click here to order criminal history information. Where does the information come from?

How many superior courts are in Washington state?

39 Superior CourtsSuperior Court Washington has 39 Superior Courts, one in each of Washington's 39 counties. Superior Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in Washington.

What is the highest court in Washington?

Washington Supreme CourtAs the highest court in the State of Washington, the mission of our court is to uphold the constitution and when called upon through cases, interpret laws passed by the legislature and enforced by the executive branches of government.

What are the four primary civil courts in Washington state?

There are four levels of court in Washington: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the superior courts and courts of limited jurisdiction, or district and municipal courts.

How many courts are in Washington?

The Washington Superior Courts are the 32 courts covering the 39 counties.

What is the exception to restitution in Washington?

The amount of restitution shall not exceed double the amount of the offender’s gain or the victim’s loss from the commission of the crime.”. Thus, in the state of Washington, an order to pay restitution may only be based on “easily ascertainable damages” and “actual expenses.”. The single exception specified in Washington state law is restitution ...

Who is restitution paid to?

Typically, restitution is paid to the person or persons who directly sustained losses and/or injury due to the offender’s crime. In most states, a crime “victim” can be a person or persons, a business, a nonprofit, or a government agency. Sometimes the indirect victims of crime, such as a murder victim’s surviving family members, ...

What is the legal definition of restitution?

Precisely what is the legal definition and function of restitution? Restitution is the payment that a criminal court orders a convicted offender to pay his or her victim or victims for the losses suffered as a result of the crime. Laws in every state provide for the payment of restitution to crime victims.

What is restitution in insurance?

When a crime victim has already been assist ed by an insurance company, a victim services agency, or a government agency, restitution to that insurance company or agency may be ordered. For some crimes, restitution may also be paid directly to the state for costs that may include emergency services, law enforcement and investigative expenses, ...

When is restitution ordered?

Restitution is usually ordered if a crime victim’s losses are a direct result of the crime, if the judge feels restitution is necessary for the offender’s rehabilitation, or if restitution will in some sense make the victim “whole” again.

When a court orders restitution, what does it order?

Wikipedia explains it this way: “When a court orders restitution it orders the defendant to give up his/her gains to the claimant . When a court orders compensation it orders the defendant to pay the claimant for his or her loss.”. Fines are not restitution, either.

Is restitution a compensation?

Technically speaking, restitution is not compensa tion.

What is court ordered restitution?

All court-ordered restitution obligations that are ordered as a result of a conviction for a criminal offense in a court of limited jurisdiction may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action by the party or entity to whom the legal financial obligation is owed.

How long does a restitution sentence last?

All court-ordered restitution obligations may be enforced at any time during the ten-year period following the offender's release from total confinement or within ten years of entry ...

How long can a court extend a criminal judgment?

Prior to the expiration of the initial ten-year period, the court may extend the criminal judgment an additional ten years for payment of court-ordered restitution only if the court finds that the offender has not made a good faith attempt to pay. The party or entity to whom the court-ordered restitution obligation is owed may utilize any other ...

What to do if you are accused of abuse in Tacoma?

If you’ve been falsely accused of abuse, consult with one of our Tacoma restraining order attorneys without delay. If your partner is abusive, and you or your child are in danger, call the authorities right now.

How to stop abusive behavior in Tacoma?

If you or your child is being abused by your partner in your own home, stop this destructive behavior by seeking help from someone that can get you out of the situation. Next, contact an attorney and get the help you need to permanently protect yourself. Patterns of violence rarely stop, but our Tacoma protection order attorneys can put the power of the Washington Family Court in your corner. Now is the time to get the help you need to make a fresh start.

Can you get a restraining order against an abusive partner?

If you would like to pursue a restraining order against an abusive partner, it's important to understand your legal options. The first option is called an Order of Protection for Domestic Violence, and it’s a fast solution to a serious problem.

Is an order of protection effective?

Orders of Protection are almost always effective, which is not how they're usually portrayed in the movies. So you can have confidence that the order will protect you and your children. One drawback of an Order of Protection in Washington is that you won't be granted any special parental rights.

Can a Tacoma attorney petition for a restraining order?

Your Tacoma attorney can petition the court for a restraining order in family law and divorce cases where custody, property division, child support, and spousal support are at play. Other types of protection orders exist, but they are not relative to family law. If you need help with a restraining order or order of protection for domestic violence, ...

Who can enforce restitution?

The state or victim may enforce the court-ordered restitution in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action. Restitution collected through civil enforcement must be paid through the registry of the court and must be distributed proportionately according to each victim's loss when there is more than one victim.

Why can't the court reduce the amount of restitution ordered?

The court may not reduce the total amount of restitution ordered because the offender may lack the ability to pay the total amount. The department shall supervise the offender's compliance with the restitution ordered under this subsection.

Can a person be in total confinement for restitution?

An offender's inability to make restitution payments while in total confinement may not be the basis for a violation of his or her sentence unless his or her inability to make payments resulted from a refusal to accept an employment offer to a class I or class II job or a termination for cause from such a job.

Can a court reduce restitution?

The court may not reduce the total amount of restitution ordered because the offender may lack the ability to pay the total amount. The offender's compliance with the restitution shall be supervised by the department only during any period which the department is authorized to supervise the offender in the community under RCW 9.94A.728, 9.94A.501, ...

What is restitution in a criminal case?

Restitution can include any out of pocket expenses directly related to the crime such as property damage, medical or counseling expenses, and future medical expenses. The defendant may request a hearing to argue ...

What is the phone number for small claims court?

The phone number for Small Claims Court is (206) 296-3550. To file a suit requesting damages of more than $4,000, you will need an attorney experienced in this kind of case. You can call the Lawyer Referral Service at (206)267-7010 for the names of attorneys near you.