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Washington criminal charge

Criminal penalties in Washington

Gross MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Washington legislative session

Criminal penalties is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 10.130.100. As a Gross Misdemeanor, 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 10.130.100.

What is the penalty for criminal penalties in Washington?

Penalties for Criminal penalties
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 364 days (statutory maximum, county jail (RCW 9A.20.021(2)); offenses outside Title 9A carry the same default under RCW 9.92.020 unless the offense fixes its own penalty)discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021
Fineup to $5,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)))discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021

Applies to current.

Common questions about criminal penalties in Washington

Is criminal penalties a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

Criminal penalties is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 10.130.100.

What are the penalties for criminal penalties in Washington?

As a Gross Misdemeanor, criminal penalties carries up to 364 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (current).

Which Washington statute covers criminal penalties?

Criminal penalties is governed by RCW 10.130.100 (Criminal penalties).

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.