Washington criminal charge
Classification and designation of crimes in Washington
Classification and designation of crimes is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9A.20.010. Its classification is not fixed: Washington assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by RCW 9A.20.010.
How is classification and designation of crimes classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A felony | Class A Felony | Applies when a felony offense is expressly designated as a class A felony in the section defining it. | RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b) |
| Class B felony | Class B Felony | Applies when a felony offense is expressly designated as a class B felony in the section defining it. | RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b) |
| Class C felony | Class C Felony | Applies when a felony offense is expressly designated as a class C felony in the section defining it. | RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b) |
| Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Applies to any crime punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, imprisonment in county jail for not more than ninety days, or both, including any prohibited act for which no penalty is otherwise specified. | RCW 9A.20.010(2) |
| Gross misdemeanor | Gross Misdemeanor | Applies to all crimes that are neither felonies nor misdemeanors. | RCW 9A.20.010(2)(b) |
Common questions about classification and designation of crimes in Washington
Is classification and designation of crimes a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: classification and designation of crimes ranges from a Misdemeanor to a Class A Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.20.010.
Class A felony: Class A Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Class B felony: Class B Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Class C felony: Class C Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Misdemeanor: Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.20.010(2)) · Gross misdemeanor: Gross Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.20.010(2)(b))
Which Washington statute covers classification and designation of crimes?
Classification and designation of crimes is governed by RCW 9A.20.010 (Classification and designation of crimes).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.