Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

In my early twenties my grandfather gifted to me an old, non-running truck. He sent in his seller portion of the title. I went to the DMV to get a new title but was told they could not transfer the title to me, I believe it was due to the age of the title. She told me she would look into it and get back to me. I am now in my mid-thirties and planned on gifting the still non-running vehicle to another family member. In looking at the title I notice it's still in my grandfathers name and I realized the woman at the DMV never got back to me (I know I should have followed up), and the back of title says failure to transfer within 45 days is a misdemeanor. Is there any way for me to handle this without a criminal charge or going to court? My thought is to pay whatever late fine there is to finish the title, but I worry about any further repercussions that could follow and really don't want a criminal record. Thanks.


Asked on 11/23/14, 10:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stan Glisson Glisson & Morris

I would not have any worries about being charged with failing to transfer title! They may fine you $125 or so, but this is a very rare criminal charge, particularly when you are not driving the vehicle. I have been involved in thousands and thousands of criminal cases, and maybe seen a person convicted of that crime twice; and never in circumstances like yours.

A criminal charge almost never begins without a law enforcement investigation, and there is just no way I can imagine that the DOL employee is going to file a police report on you.

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Answered on 11/24/14, 11:04 am


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