Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

AGO 1957 NO. 39 >

A defendant in a criminal action in justice court is limited to one change of venue as a matter of right when he makes an affidavit that he cannot have a fair and impartial trial.  Any further changes are within the discretion of the court.

AGO 1963 NO. 47 >

A state patrol officer is not entitled to witness fees for appearing and testifying in a justice court on behalf of the state, county or municipality during off-duty hours unless he be subpoenaed and required to appear and testify in a county other than that in which he resides, or unless his appearance concerns matters not connected with his official duties.

AGO 1960 NO. 115 >

Where a person is convicted of a crime in justice court and his appeal to the superior court is subsequently dismissed for want of prosecution, sentence may be imposed by the superior court or the case may be returned to the justice court for execution of the original sentence.

AGO 1954 NO. 353 >

No additional filing fee may be charged for an alias notice in justice court filed within fifteen days of the original notice.  A default judgment may be taken where the defendant fails to appear at the time set for trial in an alias notice where service was obtained as required by statute.