RCW 13.40.070
Complaints—Screening—Filing information—Diversion—Modification of community supervision—Notice to parent or guardian—Probation counselor acting for prosecutor—Referral to community-based, restorative justice, mediation, or reconciliation programs. (Effective until January 1, 2024.)
(1) Complaints referred to the juvenile court alleging the commission of an offense shall be referred directly to the prosecutor. The prosecutor, upon receipt of a complaint, shall screen the complaint to determine whether:
(a) The alleged facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court; and
(b) On a basis of available evidence there is probable cause to believe that the juvenile did commit the offense.
(2) If the identical alleged acts constitute an offense under both the law of this state and an ordinance of any city or county of this state, state law shall govern the prosecutor's screening and charging decision for both filed and diverted cases.
(3) If the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are met, the prosecutor shall either file an information in juvenile court or divert the case, as set forth in subsections (5), (6), and (8) of this section. If the prosecutor finds that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are not met, the prosecutor shall maintain a record, for one year, of such decision and the reasons therefor. In lieu of filing an information or diverting an offense a prosecutor may file a motion to modify community supervision where such offense constitutes a violation of community supervision.
(4) An information shall be a plain, concise, and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. It shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney and conform to chapter 10.37 RCW.
(5) The prosecutor shall file an information with the juvenile court if (a) an alleged offender is accused of an offense that is defined as a sex offense or violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030, other than assault in the second degree or robbery in the second degree; or (b) an alleged offender has been referred by a diversion unit for prosecution or desires prosecution instead of diversion.
(6) Where a case is legally sufficient the prosecutor shall divert the case if the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or violation and the alleged offense is the offender's first offense or violation. If the alleged offender is charged with a related offense that may be filed under subsections (5) and (8) of this section, a case under this subsection may also be filed.
(7) Where a case is legally sufficient to charge an alleged offender with:
(a) Either prostitution or prostitution loitering and the alleged offense is the offender's first prostitution or prostitution loitering offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case;
(b) Voyeurism in the second degree, the offender is under seventeen years of age, and the alleged offense is the offender's first voyeurism in the second degree offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case, unless the offender has received two diversions for any offense in the previous two years;
(c) Minor selling depictions of himself or herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct under RCW 9.68A.053(5) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053(5), the prosecutor shall divert the case; or
(d) A distribution, transfer, dissemination, or exchange of sexually explicit images of other minors thirteen years of age or older offense as provided in RCW 9.68A.053(1) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053(1), the prosecutor shall divert the case.
(8) Where a case is legally sufficient and falls into neither subsection (5) nor (6) of this section, it may be filed or diverted. In deciding whether to file or divert an offense under this section the prosecutor may be guided by the length, seriousness, and recency of the alleged offender's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense.
(9) Whenever a juvenile is placed in custody or, where not placed in custody, referred to a diversion interview, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile shall be notified as soon as possible concerning the allegation made against the juvenile and the current status of the juvenile. Where a case involves victims of crimes against persons or victims whose property has not been recovered at the time a juvenile is referred to a diversion unit, the victim shall be notified of the referral and informed how to contact the unit.
(10) The responsibilities of the prosecutor under subsections (1) through (9) of this section may be performed by a juvenile court probation counselor for any complaint referred to the court alleging the commission of an offense which would not be a felony if committed by an adult, if the prosecutor has given sufficient written notice to the juvenile court that the prosecutor will not review such complaints.
(11) The prosecutor, juvenile court probation counselor, or diversion unit may, in exercising their authority under this section or RCW 13.40.080, refer juveniles to community-based programs, restorative justice programs, mediation, or victim offender reconciliation programs. Such mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs shall be voluntary for victims.
(12) Prosecutors and juvenile courts are encouraged to engage with and partner with community-based programs to expand, improve, and increase options to divert youth from formal processing in juvenile court. Nothing in this chapter should be read to limit partnership with community-based programs to create diversion opportunities for juveniles.
[ 2019 c 128 § 8; 2018 c 82 § 1; 2017 c 292 § 2; 2013 c 179 § 3; 2010 c 289 § 7; 2009 c 252 § 3; 2003 c 53 § 98; 2001 c 175 § 2; 1997 c 338 § 17; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 543; 1992 c 205 § 107; 1989 c 407 § 9; 1983 c 191 § 18; 1981 c 299 § 7; 1979 c 155 § 60; 1977 ex.s. c 291 § 61.]
NOTES:
Short title—2019 c 128: See note following RCW 13.40.660.
Finding—2013 c 179: See note following RCW 13.40.042.
Findings—2009 c 252: See note following RCW 13.40.213.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Finding—Evaluation—Report—1997 c 338: See note following RCW 13.40.0357.
Severability—Effective dates—1997 c 338: See notes following RCW 5.60.060.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Application—1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 540-545: See note following RCW 13.50.010.
Part headings not law—Severability—1992 c 205: See notes following RCW 13.40.010.
Effective date—Severability—1979 c 155: See notes following RCW 13.04.011.
Effective dates—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 13.04.005.
(1) Complaints referred to the juvenile court alleging the commission of an offense shall be referred directly to the prosecutor. The prosecutor, upon receipt of a complaint, shall screen the complaint to determine whether:
(a) The alleged facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court; and
(b) On a basis of available evidence there is probable cause to believe that the juvenile did commit the offense.
(2) If the identical alleged acts constitute an offense under both the law of this state and an ordinance of any city or county of this state, state law shall govern the prosecutor's screening and charging decision for both filed and diverted cases.
(3) If the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are met, the prosecutor shall either file an information in juvenile court or divert the case, as set forth in subsections (5), (6), and (8) of this section. If the prosecutor finds that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are not met, the prosecutor shall maintain a record, for one year, of such decision and the reasons therefor. In lieu of filing an information or diverting an offense a prosecutor may file a motion to modify community supervision where such offense constitutes a violation of community supervision.
(4) An information shall be a plain, concise, and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. It shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney and conform to chapter 10.37 RCW.
(5) The prosecutor shall file an information with the juvenile court if (a) an alleged offender is accused of an offense that is defined as a sex offense or violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030, other than assault in the second degree or robbery in the second degree; or (b) an alleged offender has been referred by a diversion unit for prosecution or desires prosecution instead of diversion.
(6) Where a case is legally sufficient the prosecutor shall divert the case if the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or violation and the alleged offense is the offender's first offense or violation. If the alleged offender is charged with a related offense that may be filed under subsections (5) and (8) of this section, a case under this subsection may also be filed.
(7) Where a case is legally sufficient to charge an alleged offender with:
(a) Prostitution loitering and the alleged offense is the offender's first prostitution loitering offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case;
(b) Voyeurism in the second degree, the offender is under seventeen years of age, and the alleged offense is the offender's first voyeurism in the second degree offense, the prosecutor shall divert the case, unless the offender has received two diversions for any offense in the previous two years;
(c) Minor selling depictions of himself or herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct under RCW 9.68A.053(5) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053(5), the prosecutor shall divert the case; or
(d) A distribution, transfer, dissemination, or exchange of sexually explicit images of other minors thirteen years of age or older offense as provided in RCW 9.68A.053(1) and the alleged offense is the offender's first violation of RCW 9.68A.053(1), the prosecutor shall divert the case.
(8) Where a case is legally sufficient and falls into neither subsection (5) nor (6) of this section, it may be filed or diverted. In deciding whether to file or divert an offense under this section the prosecutor may be guided by the length, seriousness, and recency of the alleged offender's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense.
(9) Whenever a juvenile is placed in custody or, where not placed in custody, referred to a diversion interview, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile shall be notified as soon as possible concerning the allegation made against the juvenile and the current status of the juvenile. Where a case involves victims of crimes against persons or victims whose property has not been recovered at the time a juvenile is referred to a diversion unit, the victim shall be notified of the referral and informed how to contact the unit.
(10) The responsibilities of the prosecutor under subsections (1) through (9) of this section may be performed by a juvenile court probation counselor for any complaint referred to the court alleging the commission of an offense which would not be a felony if committed by an adult, if the prosecutor has given sufficient written notice to the juvenile court that the prosecutor will not review such complaints.
(11) The prosecutor, juvenile court probation counselor, or diversion unit may, in exercising their authority under this section or RCW 13.40.080, refer juveniles to community-based programs, restorative justice programs, mediation, or victim offender reconciliation programs. Such mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs shall be voluntary for victims.
(12) Prosecutors and juvenile courts are encouraged to engage with and partner with community-based programs to expand, improve, and increase options to divert youth from formal processing in juvenile court. Nothing in this chapter should be read to limit partnership with community-based programs to create diversion opportunities for juveniles.
[ 2020 c 331 § 5; 2019 c 128 § 8; 2018 c 82 § 1; 2017 c 292 § 2; 2013 c 179 § 3; 2010 c 289 § 7; 2009 c 252 § 3; 2003 c 53 § 98; 2001 c 175 § 2; 1997 c 338 § 17; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 543; 1992 c 205 § 107; 1989 c 407 § 9; 1983 c 191 § 18; 1981 c 299 § 7; 1979 c 155 § 60; 1977 ex.s. c 291 § 61.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 331 §§ 4, 5, and 6: See note following RCW 7.68.380.
Finding—2020 c 331: See note following RCW 7.68.380.
Short title—2019 c 128: See note following RCW 13.40.660.
Finding—2013 c 179: See note following RCW 13.40.042.
Findings—2009 c 252: See note following RCW 13.40.213.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Finding—Evaluation—Report—1997 c 338: See note following RCW 13.40.0357.
Severability—Effective dates—1997 c 338: See notes following RCW 5.60.060.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Application—1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 540-545: See note following RCW 13.50.010.
Part headings not law—Severability—1992 c 205: See notes following RCW 13.40.010.
Effective date—Severability—1979 c 155: See notes following RCW 13.04.011.
Effective dates—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 13.04.005.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 13 - Juvenile Courts and Juvenile Offenders
Chapter 13.40 - Juvenile Justice Act of 1977.
13.40.010 - Short title—Intent—Purpose.
13.40.020 - Definitions (as amended by 2021 c 206).
13.40.030 - Security guidelines—Legislative review—Limitations on permissible ranges of confinement.
13.40.0351 - Equal application of guidelines and standards.
13.40.0357 - Juvenile offender sentencing standards.
13.40.038 - County juvenile detention facilities—Policy—Detention and risk assessment standards.
13.40.042 - Detention of juvenile suffering from mental disorder or substance use disorder.
13.40.045 - Escapees—Arrest warrants.
13.40.054 - Probation bond or collateral—Modification or revocation of probation bond.
13.40.056 - Nonrefundable bail fee.
13.40.060 - Jurisdiction of actions—Transfer of case and records, when—Change in venue, grounds.
13.40.077 - Recommended prosecuting standards for charging and plea dispositions.
13.40.085 - Diversion services costs—Fees—Payment by parent or legal guardian.
13.40.090 - Prosecuting attorney as party to juvenile court proceedings—Exception, procedure.
13.40.110 - Hearing on question of declining jurisdiction—Held, when—Findings.
13.40.120 - Hearings—Time and place.
13.40.127 - Deferred disposition.
13.40.135 - Sexual motivation special allegation—Procedures.
13.40.162 - Special sex offender disposition alternative.
13.40.165 - Substance use disorder or mental health disposition alternative.
13.40.190 - Disposition order—Restitution for loss or damage—Modification of restitution order.
13.40.193 - Firearms—Length of confinement.
13.40.196 - Firearms—Special allegation.
13.40.198 - Penalty assessments—Jurisdiction of court.
13.40.205 - Release from physical custody, when—Authorized leaves—Leave plan and order—Notice.
13.40.212 - Intensive supervision program—Elements.
13.40.217 - Juveniles adjudicated of sex offenses—Release of information authorized.
13.40.230 - Appeal from order of disposition—Jurisdiction—Procedure—Scope—Release pending appeal.
13.40.240 - Construction of RCW references to juvenile delinquents or juvenile delinquency.
13.40.250 - Traffic infraction, transit infraction, and civil infraction cases—Diversion agreements.
13.40.265 - Firearm, alcohol, and drug violations.
13.40.310 - Transitional treatment program for gang and drug-involved juvenile offenders.
13.40.320 - Juvenile offender basic training camp program.
13.40.400 - Applicability of RCW 10.01.040 to chapter.
13.40.430 - Disparity in disposition of juvenile offenders—Data collection.
13.40.460 - Juvenile rehabilitation programs—Administration.
13.40.462 - Reinvesting in youth program.
13.40.464 - Reinvesting in youth program—Guidelines.
13.40.466 - Reinvesting in youth account.
13.40.468 - Juvenile rehabilitation administration—State quality assurance program.
13.40.480 - Student records and information—Reasons for release—Who may request.
13.40.500 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Findings—Purpose.
13.40.510 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Establishment—Proposals—Guidelines.
13.40.520 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Grants.
13.40.530 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Effectiveness standards.
13.40.540 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Information collection—Report.
13.40.550 - Community juvenile accountability programs—Short title.
13.40.560 - Juvenile accountability incentive account.
13.40.570 - Sexual misconduct by state employees, contractors.
13.40.580 - Youth courts—Diversion.
13.40.590 - Youth court programs.
13.40.600 - Youth court jurisdiction.
13.40.610 - Youth court notification of satisfaction of conditions.
13.40.620 - Appearance before youth court with parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
13.40.630 - Youth court dispositions.
13.40.640 - Youth court nonrefundable fee.
13.40.650 - Use of restraints on pregnant youth in custody—Allowed in extraordinary circumstances.
13.40.660 - Exchange of intimate images by minors—Findings—Work group.
13.40.720 - Imposition of legal financial obligations—City, town, or county authority.
13.40.730 - Community transition services program.
13.40.735 - Planned release—Notice to health care insurance provider.
13.40.740 - Juvenile access to an attorney.
13.40.900 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.