State v. Horton

Esther Horton violated an order for protection under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. She was convicted on two counts by the District Court under RCW 26.50.110(1). The Superior Court dismissed one for a lack of evidence and affirmed the remaining conviction, rejecting Horton's argument that the act violates equal protection. Horton contends the act gives prosecutors discretion to charge violations as misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail, or as contempt, punishable by 6 months' imprisonment. Former RCW 7.20.020.

*839Equal Protection

A statute which gives prosecutors…