An action upon a statute for a penalty given in whole or in part to the person who may prosecute for the same, shall be commenced within three years [one year] after the commission of the offense; and if the action be not commenced within one year by a private party, it may be commenced within two years after the commission of the offense in behalf of the state by the prosecuting attorney of the county, where said offense was committed.
[ 1877 p 9 § 31; 1854 p 364 § 6; RRS § 163. Formerly RCW 4.16.140. Cf. Code 1881 § 31.]

NOTES:

Reviser’s note: “one year” appeared in Laws of 1854 and 1877; “three years” appears in Code of 1881.

Terms Used In Washington Code 4.16.115

  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
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