Washington criminal charge
False academic credentials in Washington
False academic credentials is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9A.60.070. 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.60.070.
What is the penalty for false academic credentials in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Issuing a false academic credential — A person knowingly grants, offers to grant, misrepresents applicability of, or solicits another to seek a false academic credential or credit as described in subsection (1)(a)-(d).; 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 (Issuing a false academic credential — A person knowingly grants, offers to grant, misrepresents applicability of, or solicits another to seek a false academic credential or credit as described in subsection (1)(a)-(d).; 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 364 days (Knowingly using a false academic credential — A person knowingly uses a false academic credential or falsely claims to hold a credential from an accredited institution in advertising/promotion or with intent to obtain employment, licensure, promotion/compensation, admission, or a position of authority as described in subsection (2)(a)-(b).; 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) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Knowingly using a false academic credential — A person knowingly uses a false academic credential or falsely claims to hold a credential from an accredited institution in advertising/promotion or with intent to obtain employment, licensure, promotion/compensation, admission, or a position of authority as described in subsection (2)(a)-(b).; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984.
How is false academic credentials classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing a false academic credential | Class C Felony | A person knowingly grants, offers to grant, misrepresents applicability of, or solicits another to seek a false academic credential or credit as described in subsection (1)(a)-(d). | RCW 9A.60.070(4) |
| Knowingly using a false academic credential | Gross Misdemeanor | A person knowingly uses a false academic credential or falsely claims to hold a credential from an accredited institution in advertising/promotion or with intent to obtain employment, licensure, promotion/compensation, admission, or a position of authority as described in subsection (2)(a)-(b). | RCW 9A.60.070(5) |
Common questions about false academic credentials in Washington
Is false academic credentials a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: false academic credentials ranges from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Class C Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.60.070.
Issuing a false academic credential: Class C Felony (RCW 9A.60.070(4)) · Knowingly using a false academic credential: Gross Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.60.070(5))
What are the penalties for false academic credentials in Washington?
Penalties for false academic credentials in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Gross Misdemeanor up to a Class C 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 false academic credentials?
False academic credentials is governed by RCW 9A.60.070 (False academic credentials—Unlawful issuance or use—Definitions—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.