Dismissed of Criminal Charges, Man Fined in Civil Case
Ty Hodge Found Guilty of Negligent Driving.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — In August 2025, the Beacon reported on a Port Hadlock Residents’ Right to a Speedy Trial. The case was dismissed and refiled in civil court as a traffic infraction, amending the reckless driving hit and run charge to negligent driving in the second degree.
Based on uncertainty on the state's legal jurisdiction to amend charges to civil court after dismissal, the Beacon appeared at the hearing to watch. The case came to a conclusion on June 8.
During his contested civil hearing, Ty Hodge made a motion to dismiss the charge against him, which Judge Jo Vanderlee denied. Hodge then argued fundamental fairness and stated his duress. The court found the state has jurisdiction to charge a traffic infraction on a case that was dismissed earlier in Superior Court.
Constitutional double jeopardy protects individuals in criminal court from being prosecuted more than once for the exact same offense. The constitutional protection only applies to criminal prosecutions where an individual's "life or limb" is at risk, they do not apply to civil cases.
An acquittal—failing to provide evidence against a defendant—in a criminal case does not prevent the state from bringing the defendant to civil court.
Hodge claimed his motorcycle was stolen when he stopped at a church to use the restroom after purchasing a burger and fries from A & H Curbside Grill in Hadlock.
There was a burger and fries at the site where the bike smashed into the side of a house. Officer Jason Avery found Hodge laying on the back patio of his residence with injuries on his legs and covered in dust which seemed to the officer to be consistent with the crash site. Hodge claimed that without photo evidence of the injuries and dust, these are alleged pieces of evidence.
However, Hodge did not bring in the impound record from the Port Angeles Police Department, which he claims recovered his stolen motorcycle. Frustrated with the lengthy process, Hodge said he did not want to reschedule, leaving the court to make a decision based on the police report, and officer Avery’s presence in court.
The court found Hodge guilty. Hodge was fined $310 and has been ordered to take motorcycle public safety classes. He has the right to file an appeal within 30 days of the judge’s committed finding.
