State v. Perdang

Patricia M. Perdang appeals her conviction for third degree theft, alleging that the District Court erred by refusing to dismiss the case pursuant to the compromise of misdemeanors statute.

Perdang, a 37-year-old mother with no prior convictions, was apprehended after attempting to take a coat from a Sears department store. She was charged with third degree theft. In accordance with Sears' written request, Perdang agreed to pay $75 for the coat and a $100 statutory penalty.

At a hearing held before the Shoreline District Court on November 16, 1981, Perdang moved to have the theft charge…