What is the Penalty for Negligent Driving 2?

[spmega]

I was just wondering if anyone can verify the penalty for Negligent Driving - Second Degree in Washington State.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.525
Can it be more than what is stated at the .gov web site?

[aaron]

You mean, can there be additional court assessments and fees that raise the fine above $250? Yes, that can happen.

[spmega]

The Washington State Legislature website clearly states $250 however I see that others as well as myself have been cited for Negligent Driving - Second Degree with the penalty field filled out to $550. Several people on this site say they have $550 tickets but no one has been able to give a clear answer as to why.

So, the Question is:

How can a policeman cite a person for Negligent Driving - Second Degree with a penalty of $550 on the spot?

[aaron]

Did you miss the part about additional court assessments and fees?

[Happy Trails]

The Washington State Legislature website clearly states $250 however I see that others as well as myself have been cited for Negligent Driving - Second Degree with the penalty field filled out to $550. Several people on this site say they have $550 tickets but no one has been able to give a clear answer as to why.

So, the Question is:

How can a policeman cite a person for Negligent Driving - Second Degree with a penalty of $550 on the spot?

The fine stated in the RCW is the "base" fine. As Aaron stated, other fees can be attached.

The officer knows what the fine is, that is why the officer was able to tell you what the penalty would be, on the spot.

You can also read: http://www.adcmobile.com/bluetooth/w...ffic_fines.pdf

[spmega]

Did you miss the part about additional court assessments and fees?

I'm sorry Aaron, I thought you meant that "court assessments and fees" could be added after I got the ticket i.e. like when you go to pay the fine.

You can also read: http://www.adcmobile.com/bluetooth/w...ffic_fines.pdf

Happy Trails, I don't want to seem like an idiot here but I can't find the exact reason why that pdf states a different fine amount than the RCW it lists. Help me see what I'm missing here. I just want to know the exact reason why my ticket is more than this "base" fine. What piece of legislature gives law enforcement the authority to add said fines? I would like to see for myself how officers come up with that exact amount.

[Happy Trails]

Happy Trails, I don't want to seem like an idiot here but I can't find the exact reason why that pdf states a different fine amount than the RCW it lists. Help me see what I'm missing here. I just want to know the exact reason why my ticket is more than this "base" fine. What piece of legislature gives law enforcement the authority to add said fines? I would like to see for myself how officers come up with that exact amount.

You don't sound like an idiot at all. Many people have asked this question and were trying to understand why the penalty is higher than what the statute states.

Here is a thread that is a couple of years old, but it has a lot of information in it that will hopefully help you understand where the other fees are coming from and it also includes links that will bring you to additional information: http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?p=53652

[spmega]

Yes, thank you very much. It's going to take me a while to read through it all but it appears to be what I've been looking for.