RCW 4.24.345: Unlawfully summoning a law enforcement officer

RCWs > Title 4 > Chapter 4.24 > Section 4.24.345

These documents are currently being revised to incorporate the changes made during the 2024 Legislative Session. Please consult the Sections Affected Table for changes made during the 2024 Legislative Session.

4.24.340 << 4.24.345 >> 4.24.350

PDFRCW 4.24.345

Unlawfully summoning a law enforcement officer—Civil action.

(1) A person may bring a civil action for damages against any person who knowingly causes a law enforcement officer to arrive at a location to contact another person with the intent to:

(a) Infringe on the other person's rights under the Washington state or United States Constitutions;

(b) Unlawfully discriminate against the other person;

(d) Cause the other person to be expelled from a place in which the other person is lawfully located; or

(e) Damage the other person's:

(i) Reputation or standing in the community; or

(ii) Financial, economic, consumer, or business prospects or interests.

(2) A person shall not be held liable under subsection (1) of this section if the person acted in good faith in causing a law enforcement officer to arrive.

(3) Upon prevailing in an action under this section, the plaintiff may recover:

(a) The greater of:

(i) Economic and noneconomic damages; or

(ii) $250 against each defendant found liable under this section; and

(b) Punitive damages.

(4) The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to the prevailing plaintiff in an action under this section.

(5) A civil action under this section:

(a) May be maintained in a court of limited jurisdiction if the total damages claimed do not exceed the statutory limit for damages that the court of limited jurisdiction may award; and

(b) Does not affect a right or remedy available under any other law of this state.

[ 2021 c 330 § 1.]