RCW 79.02.300 Trespass, waste, damages—Prosecutions.
(1) Every person who, without authorization, uses or occupies public lands, removes any valuable material as defined in RCW 79.02.010 from public lands, or causes waste or damage to public lands, or injures publicly owned personal property or publicly owned improvements to real property on public lands, is liable to the state for treble the amount of the damages. However, liability shall be for single damages if the department determines, or the person proves upon trial, that the person, at time of the unauthorized act or acts, did not know, or have reason to know, that he or she lacked authorization. Damages recoverable under this section include, but are not limited to, the market value of the use, occupancy, or things removed, had the use, occupancy, or removal been authorized; and any damages caused by injury to the land, publicly owned personal property or publicly owned improvement, including the costs of restoration. In addition, the person is liable for reimbursing the state for its reasonable costs including, but not limited to, its administrative costs, survey costs to the extent they are not included in damages awarded for restoration costs, and its reasonable attorneys' fees and other legal costs.
(2) This section does not apply in any case where liability for damages is provided under RCW 4.24.630, 64.12.030, or 79.02.320.
(3) The department is authorized and directed to investigate all trespasses and wastes upon, and damages to, public lands of the state, and to cause prosecutions for, and/or actions for the recovery of the same, to be commenced as provided by law.
[ 2009 c 349 § 1; 2004 c 199 § 207; 2003 c 334 § 435; 1994 c 280 § 2; 1993 c 266 § 1; 1927 c 255 § 200; RRS § 7797-200. Prior: 1897 c 89 § 64; 1895 c 178 § 99. Formerly RCW 79.01.760, 79.40.040.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—2004 c 199: See note following RCW 79.02.010.
Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.
Waste and trespass: Chapter 64.12 RCW.
Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal plans you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.
LegalFix provides its members with easy access to affordable legal services through a network of independent law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.
The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our network law firms.
You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your network law firm.
The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.
Use of this website, the purchase of legal plans, and access to the LegalFix networks of law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.