The court plans to conduct a ‘trial on paper’ to determine whether or not the fines imposed on him were too excessive under state law
TJ Martinell
The Center Square Washington
More than three years ago, tax protester and initiative sponsor Tim Eyman was fined millions of dollars stemming from Public Disclosure Commission campaign finance violations in 2012.
Now, a court plans to conduct a “trial on paper” to determine whether or not the fines imposed on him were too excessive under state law.
The Washington State Constitution’s Article 1, Section 14 contains a provision that protects individuals from receiving fines considered excessive for several reasons, including too “severe” for the offense committed or regarded as so burdensome it denies them the ability to obtain basic needs. Additionally, the fines must take into account the individual’s ability to pay it.
In his request for remand, Eyman’s legal counsel Richard Saunders, a former State Supreme Court justice, argued that it even if no interest was accrued on the $8 million he owes in fines and attorneys fees, it would take him 67 years to pay it off if he made $10,000 monthly contributions.
“If that does not demonstrate Mr. Eyman’s lack of ability to pay, your undersigned cannot imagine what would,” the court document states.
The request for remand instead proposes that the court “set the penalty at an amount commensurate with Mr. Eyman’s current financial circumstances.” Eyman, who declared bankruptcy in 2018, produced tax and financial documents demonstrating that he has been “left impoverished and almost destitute.”
The Court of Appeals handed the case to Thurston County Superior Court. At Friday’s hearing, Judge Chris Lanese noted that he would only be looking at the issue of whether or not Eyman was capable of paying the fines based on his financial circumstances at the time they were imposed, rather than his current financial situation. As part of the “trial on paper,” Lanese will examine affidavits and other exhibits submitted by both parties.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- WA governor pressed to veto $1.8B piece of Democrats’ tax bill
Grocers and restaurateurs are urging Gov. Ferguson to veto a surcharge in HB 2081 that they say will raise food prices statewide. - CCSO makes arrest in attempted kidnapping investigation
A 31-year-old Vancouver man has been arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping involving a teenage girl near NE 149th Street. - Changing roles: Brian Witherspoon accepts position as head coach of Camas girls basketballBrian Witherspoon has been hired to lead the Camas girls basketball program after serving as interim boys coach last season.
- Vehicle crashes into Vancouver Fire Station 6 during emergency responseA vehicle crashed into Vancouver Fire Station 6 late Tuesday night while crews were out on an emergency call.
- Letter: ‘It’s said sarcasm is the lowest form of wit’Amboy resident Thomas Schenk criticizes Olympia’s use of “emergency clauses” and other legislative tactics that limit public participation.
- Letter: ‘We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them’Camas resident Anna Miller supports a new structured self-deportation policy, calling it a balanced approach to immigration and economic needs.
- Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy UW building, 30 arrestedAbout 30 protesters were arrested at the University of Washington after occupying a building and demanding the school cut ties with Boeing.
