Hanson v. City of Snohomish

Facts of Case

This action for malicious prosecution, false arrest and imprisonment, and violation of civil rights is based on the prosecution of Respondent Gerald L. Hanson for assault in the first degree. The issue is whether a conviction, which is later reversed, establishes the existence of probable cause as a matter of law. We hold that it does and affirm the trial court.

Gerald L. Hanson was convicted in 1985 of assault in the first degree. The criminal proceeding was based on the shooting of a convenience store clerk in Snohomish, Washington. The victim ultimately identified Hanson as her…