Washington § 42.52.425 - Dismissal of complaint.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.425 — Dismissal of complaint., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42.52.425. Dismissal of complaint.

(1) Based on the investigation conducted under RCW 42.52.420 or 42.52.450, and subject to rules issued by each board, the board or the staff of the appropriate ethics board may issue an order of dismissal based on any of the following findings:
(a) Any violation that may have occurred is not within the jurisdiction of the board;
(b) The complaint is obviously unfounded or frivolous; or
(c) Any violation that may have occurred does not constitute a material violation because it was inadvertent and minor, or has been cured, and, after consideration of all of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter.
(2) Written notice of the determination under subsection (1) of this section shall be provided to the complainant, respondent, and the board. The written notice to the complainant shall include a statement of the complainant's right to appeal to the board under subsection (3) of this section if the dismissal order was issued by staff.
(3) In the event that a complaint is dismissed by staff under this section, the complainant may request that the board review the action. Following review, the board shall:
(a) Affirm the staff dismissal;
(b) Direct the staff to conduct further investigation; or
(c) Issue a determination that there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has been or is being committed.
(4) The board's decision under subsection (3) of this section shall be reduced to writing and provided to the complainant and the respondent.
[ 2005 c 116 s 1; 2000 c 211 s 2.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 42.52.425

What does Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.425 cover?

Section 42.52.425 ("Dismissal of complaint.") 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 § 42.52.425?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.425" (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 § 42.52.425 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.

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