Are lawmakers quietly trying to bury state’s unique self-defense statute?(WA)

Seattle Gun Rights Examiner ^ | 30 September, 2011 | Dave Workman

[marktwain]

Next Tuesday in Olympia, the House Judiciary Committee is holding a work session to discuss something called “unjust conviction compensation,” but it also appears they will be looking at a way to repeal this state’s unique self-defense compensation statute.

Judiciary - 10/04/11 9:00 am

Full Committee Senate Hearing Rm 3 J.A. Cherberg Building Olympia, WA

Work Session:

Wrongful conviction compensation.

Self-defense reimbursement statute.

Government liability and risk management practices.

Immigration services and assistance.

*Meeting will adjourn at 3 p.m.

Committee Meeting Documents Note: Documents are not available online until the meeting has begun.

State RCW 9A.16.110 – the only law like it anywhere in the country – provides reimbursement for anyone who must defend himself or herself in court after having to defend themselves against a violent crime and winding up facing criminal charges. Simply put, people subjected to prosecution for having acted in self-defense should not be financially penalized. The state, under the existing statute, should pay that individual’s reasonable legal bills. That’s been the law in Washington since 1977, and simply because the Democrat-controlled Legislature has presently spent the state into a financial quagmire, innocent law-abiding citizens should not be expected to sacrifice this important protection against unjustified prosecution.

[marktwain]

This law sounds like a good idea. I wonder how much the state spends on victim compensation?

[CORedneck]

Not only this should be kept but expanded for other offenses and expanded to other states. Get tired and found not guilty, the state is forced to pay for your defense. Another check on unbridled gov’t power.

[Still Thinking]

The state, under the existing statute, should pay that individual’s reasonable legal bills. That’s been the law in Washington since 1977, and simply because the Democrat-controlled Legislature has presently spent the state into a financial quagmire, innocent law-abiding citizens should not be expected to sacrifice this important protection against unjustified prosecution.

Here's a way to leave the statute in place at ZERO cost to the government: Don't unjustly prosecute people! I'm sure those so prosecuted would prefer that option anyway.

[BlazingArizona]

“This law sounds like a good idea. I wonder how much the state spends on victim compensation? “

If all goes well, nothing. The law is to dissuade prosecution of self-defenders.