Washington criminal charge
Food stamps in Washington
Food stamps is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9.91.140. 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 9.91.140.
What is the penalty for food stamps in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (Food stamps unlawful sale (value exceeds $100) — Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred exceeds one hundred dollars.; 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 (Food stamps unlawful sale (value exceeds $100) — Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred exceeds one hundred dollars.; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Jail / prison | up to 90 days (Food stamps unlawful sale (value $100 or less) — Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred is one hundred dollars or less.; statutory maximum, county jail (RCW 9A.20.021(3)); offenses outside Title 9A carry the same default under RCW 9.92.030 unless the offense fixes its own penalty) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Food stamps unlawful sale (value $100 or less) — Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred is one hundred dollars or less.; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to current.
How is food stamps classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food stamps unlawful sale (value exceeds $100) | Gross Misdemeanor | Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred exceeds one hundred dollars. | RCW 9.91.140(1) |
| Food stamps unlawful sale (value $100 or less) | Misdemeanor | Applies when the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred is one hundred dollars or less. | RCW 9.91.140(2) |
Common questions about food stamps in Washington
Is food stamps a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for food stamps in Washington?
Penalties for food stamps in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor up to a Gross Misdemeanor — 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 food stamps?
Food stamps is governed by RCW 9.91.140 (Food stamps—Unlawful sale).
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.