What are the penalties for violating municipal law?
Municipal law violations in Washington can carry a range of penalties, depending on the severity of the offense. Generally, penalties for minor infractions include fines, which are typically paid directly to the municipality, and may include a requirement of community service to make amends for the violation. More serious offenses – such as those involving alcohol, drugs, or serious property damage – can carry the possibility of jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, jail time ranges from a few days to several years. Additionally, sentences may include probation, which requires the offender to check in with a parole officer and may include restrictions on their activities or their ability to travel. In addition to criminal penalties, municipal law violations may also carry civil fines, which are imposed by a court as punishment for the violation. Civil fines are typically paid to the municipality and are often in addition to any criminal penalties imposed for the same offense. Finally, due to the substantial costs involved in prosecuting a municipal law violation, many cities in Washington will offer a program called "deferred prosecution." This program will allow an offender to plead guilty to a reduced charge or receive a lesser sentence in exchange for agreeing to certain conditions, such as completing a rehabilitation program or paying restitution for any damages caused.
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