Current through 2024
Section 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;(c) Cause the other person to feel harassed, humiliated, or embarrassed;(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(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.Added by 2021 c 330,§ 1, eff. 7/25/2021.