Washington criminal charge
Collection of unlawful debt in Washington
Collection of unlawful debt is a Class C Felony under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.82.045. As a Class C Felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Washington sets for that offense class. Washington sorts criminal offenses into class A, B, and C felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors — a gross misdemeanor is a distinct, more serious rung than a misdemeanor — with maximum penalties set by RCW 9A.20.021.
Defined by RCW 9A.82.045.
What is the penalty for collection of unlawful debt in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (statutory maximum (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(c)); the sentence actually imposed is set by the Sentencing Reform Act standard range (RCW 9.94A.510) from the offense's seriousness level and the defendant's offender score) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)); unless a different maximum is specifically established by statute) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984.
Common questions about collection of unlawful debt in Washington
Is collection of unlawful debt a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Collection of unlawful debt is a Class C Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.82.045.
What are the penalties for collection of unlawful debt in Washington?
As a Class C Felony, collection of unlawful debt carries up to 5 years (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984).
Which Washington statute covers collection of unlawful debt?
Collection of unlawful debt is governed by RCW 9A.82.045 (Collection of unlawful debt).
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.