State v. Wiens

We here review a challenge to the statute authorizing victims of crime to enforce restitution orders as if they were civil judgments. The Appellant contends the statute, RCW 9.94A.145(4), is inconsistent with various constitutional, statutory, and criminal rule provisions. We find no flaw in the statute, or the court’s application of it, and affirm.

While driving intoxicated on New Year’s Eve, 1990, Donald Wiens caused an automobile accident which incapacitated Leslie Shockley. Wiens later pleaded guilty to felony vehicular assault. At sentencing, the court ordered Wiens to pay restitution to…