Washington § 4.12.020 - Actions to be tried in county where cause arose.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 4.12.020 — Actions to be tried in county where cause arose., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4.12.020. Actions to be tried in county where cause arose.

Actions for the following causes shall be tried in the county where the cause, or some part thereof, arose:
(1) For the recovery of a penalty or forfeiture imposed by statute;
(2) Against a public officer, or person specially appointed to execute his or her duties, for an act done by him or her in virtue of his or her office, or against a person who, by his or her command or in his or her aid, shall do anything touching the duties of such officer;
(3) For the recovery of damages for injuries to the person or for injury to personal property, the plaintiff shall have the option of suing either in the county in which the cause of action or some part thereof arose, or in the county in which the defendant resides, or if there be more than one defendant, where some one of the defendants resides, at the time of the commencement of the action.
[ 2001 c 45 s 2; 1941 c 81 s 1; Code 1881 s 48; 1877 p 11 s 49; 1869 p 12 s 49; 1860 p 7 s 16; 1854 p 133 s 14; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 205.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 4.12.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 4.12.020 cover?

Section 4.12.020 ("Actions to be tried in county where cause arose.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 4.12.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 4.12.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 4.12.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.