Washington criminal charge
Food stamps in Washington
Food stamps is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9.91.142. 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 9.91.142.
What is the penalty for food stamps in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Food stamp trafficking (over $100) — Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits exceeds one hundred dollars.; 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 (Food stamp trafficking (over $100) — Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits exceeds one hundred dollars.; 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 (Food stamp trafficking ($100 or less) — Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits is one hundred dollars or less.; 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 stamp trafficking ($100 or less) — Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits is one hundred dollars or less.; 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 food stamps classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food stamp trafficking (over $100) | Class C Felony | Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits exceeds one hundred dollars. | RCW 9.91.142(1) |
| Food stamp trafficking ($100 or less) | Gross Misdemeanor | Applies when the face value of the stamps or benefits is one hundred dollars or less. | RCW 9.91.142(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 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 food stamps?
Food stamps is governed by RCW 9.91.142 (Food stamps—Trafficking).
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.