Failure to register vehicle, aircraft, or vessel—Deferral program—Exception—Fines

(1) Any county may set up a deferral program for persons who receive a citation for failing to register a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel under RCW 46.16A.030, 47.68.255, or 88.02.400. Under the deferral program: (a) If the person has received a criminal citation for failure to register a vehicle under RCW 46.16A.030, an aircraft under RCW 47.68.255, or a vessel under RCW 88.02.400, the defendant may petition the court for a deferred prosecution conditioned upon the defendant completing the criteria in (b) of this subsection within ninety days of the court granting the deferral. (b) To be eligible for a deferred prosecution under (a) of this subsection, the court shall dismiss the charge if the court receives satisfactory proof within ninety days that the person: (i) Has paid a five hundred dollar fine; (ii) Has a valid Washington state driver's license; and(iii) Has registered the vehicle, aircraft, or vessel that was the subject of the citation. (c) Before entering an order deferring prosecution, the court shall make specific findings that: (i) The petitioner has stipulated to the admissibility and sufficiency of the facts as contained in the written police report; (ii) the petitioner has acknowledged the admissibility of the stipulated facts in any criminal hearing on the underlying offense or offenses held subsequent to revocation of the order granting deferred prosecution; (iii) the petitioner has acknowledged and waived the right to testify, the right to a speedy trial, the right to call witnesses to testify, the right to present evidence in his or her defense, and the right to a jury trial; and (iv) the petitioner's statements were made knowingly and voluntarily. Such findings shall be included in the order granting deferred prosecution. (d) If the defendant successfully completes the conditions required under the deferred prosecution, the court shall dismiss the charges pending against the defendant. (e) If the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the conditions required under the deferred prosecution, the court shall remove the defendant from deferred prosecution and enter a judgment. (2) The deferral program described in this section does not apply to persons who have received a previous conviction or deferral for failing to register a vehicle under RCW 46.16A.030, an aircraft under RCW 47.68.255, or a vessel under RCW 88.02.400. (3) Fines generated pursuant to the deferral program established in subsection (1) of this section shall be used by the county for the purpose of enforcement and prosecution of registration requirements under RCW 46.16A.030, 47.68.250, or 88.02.550.