State v. Getty

The State appeals a dismissal of its charge of first degree malicious mischief against Frank B. Getty, a juvenile. The State argues that the trial court erred when it found that Getty had also been charged in adult court because a police officer issued an adult citation form when he arrested Getty. We reverse.

Facts

Renton police arrested Getty on July 24, 1987, for damaging private property with a B.B. gun. Getty was 17 years old at the time. The arresting officer cited Getty with malicious mischief in the third degree and issued a Washington Uniform Citation/Complaint Form which directed…