Washington criminal charge
Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer in Washington
Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9A.76.023. 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.76.023.
What is the penalty for disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer (base offense) — Applies to disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer except when the firearm involved is discharged during the removal.; 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 (Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer (base offense) — Applies to disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer except when the firearm involved is discharged during the removal.; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)); unless a different maximum is specifically established by statute) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer — firearm discharged — Applies when the firearm involved is discharged when the person removes it from the officer.; statutory maximum (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(b)); 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 $20,000 (Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer — firearm discharged — Applies when the firearm involved is discharged when the person removes it from the officer.; 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.
How is disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer (base offense) | Class C Felony | Applies to disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer except when the firearm involved is discharged during the removal. | RCW 9A.76.023(2)(a) |
| Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer — firearm discharged | Class B Felony | Applies when the firearm involved is discharged when the person removes it from the officer. | RCW 9A.76.023(2)(b) |
Common questions about disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer in Washington
Is disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer ranges from a Class C Felony to a Class B Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.76.023.
Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer (base offense): Class C Felony (RCW 9A.76.023(2)(a)) · Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer — firearm discharged: Class B Felony (RCW 9A.76.023(2)(b))
What are the penalties for disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer in Washington?
Penalties for disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Class C Felony up to a Class B Felony — with the ranges set by RCW 9A.20.021; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Washington statute covers disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer?
Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer is governed by RCW 9A.76.023 (Disarming a law enforcement or corrections officer).
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.