This is a direct appeal from an order of restitution. We reverse.
The only issue is whether the trial court may order restitution more than 60 days after sentencing when the statute provides: "When restitution is ordered, the court shall determine the amount of restitution due at the sentencing hearing or within sixty days.” (Italics ours.) RCW 9.94A.142(1).
The dispositive question is whether the word "shall” in the statute is a mandatory directive. The basic rule is clear.
It is well settled that the word "shall” in a statute is presumptively imperative and operates to create a duty. . . . The word "shall” in a statute thus imposes a mandatory requirement unless a contrary legislative intent is apparent.
Erection Co. v. Department of Labor & Indus.,
The meaning of "shall” is not gleaned from that word alone because our purpose is to ascertain legislative intent of the statute as a whole.
In determining the meaning of the word "shall” we traditionally have considered the legislative intent as evidenced by all the terms and provisions of the act in relation to the subject of the legislation, the nature of the act, the general object to be accomplished and consequences that would result from construing the particular statute in one way or another.
State v. Huntzinger,
Nothing in the restitution statute indicates a legislative intent contrary to "shall” being mandatory. In fact, the statute as a whole shows the Legislature drew a clear distinction between mandatory and discretionary provisions. For example, the community corrections officer may recommend a change in the payment schedule and shall inform the court thereof. Then the court may change the schedule. For purposes of restitution, the offender shall remain under jurisdiction for 10 years during which time the court may modify the order. The offender’s compliance shall be supervised by the Department of Corrections. RCW 9.94A. 142(1).
This [use of "may” and "shall” in the statute] indicates that the Legislature intended the two words to have different meanings: "may” being directory while "shall” being mandatory.
Legislative history supports our conclusion. The statute originally required the court to determine restitution at the time of sentencing. Laws of 1981, ch. 137, § 14. An amendment added the words "or within 60 days”. Laws of 1982, ch. 192, § 5. "The presumption is that every amendment is made to effect some material purpose.”
Vita Food Prods., Inc. v. State,
The State relies almost entirely on
State v. Hartwell,
Defendant’s motion to strike the appendices to the State’s Brief is granted because they are not in the record.
The Order of Restitution is reversed.
Andersen, C.J., and Utter, Dolliver, Durham, Smith, Guy, Johnson, and Madsen, JJ., concur.
