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Washington criminal charge

False identification as a peace officer in Washington

Gross MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Washington legislative session

False identification as a peace officer is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.60.047. 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 9A.60.047.

What is the penalty for false identification as a peace officer in Washington?

Penalties for False identification as a peace officer
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 false identification as a peace officer in Washington

Is false identification as a peace officer a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

False identification as a peace officer is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.60.047.

What are the penalties for false identification as a peace officer in Washington?

As a Gross Misdemeanor, false identification as a peace officer 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 false identification as a peace officer?

False identification as a peace officer is governed by RCW 9A.60.047 (False identification as a peace 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.