Washington criminal charge
Leading organized crime in Washington
Leading organized crime is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9A.82.060. 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.82.060.
What is the penalty for leading organized crime in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Leading organized crime — organizing/managing/financing — Applies when a person intentionally organizes, manages, directs, supervises, or finances three or more persons with intent to engage in a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(a).; a maximum term of life imprisonment (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(a)); 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 $50,000 (Leading organized crime — organizing/managing/financing — Applies when a person intentionally organizes, manages, directs, supervises, or finances three or more persons with intent to engage in a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(a).; 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 (Leading organized crime — inciting violence or intimidation — Applies when a person intentionally incites or induces others to engage in violence or intimidation to further a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(b).; 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 (Leading organized crime — inciting violence or intimidation — Applies when a person intentionally incites or induces others to engage in violence or intimidation to further a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(b).; 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 leading organized crime classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leading organized crime — organizing/managing/financing | Class A Felony | Applies when a person intentionally organizes, manages, directs, supervises, or finances three or more persons with intent to engage in a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(a). | RCW 9A.82.060(2)(a) |
| Leading organized crime — inciting violence or intimidation | Class B Felony | Applies when a person intentionally incites or induces others to engage in violence or intimidation to further a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, as defined in (1)(b). | RCW 9A.82.060(2)(b) |
Common questions about leading organized crime in Washington
Is leading organized crime a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: leading organized crime ranges from a Class B Felony to a Class A Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.82.060.
Leading organized crime — organizing/managing/financing: Class A Felony (RCW 9A.82.060(2)(a)) · Leading organized crime — inciting violence or intimidation: Class B Felony (RCW 9A.82.060(2)(b))
What are the penalties for leading organized crime in Washington?
Penalties for leading organized crime in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Class B Felony up to a Class A 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 leading organized crime?
Leading organized crime is governed by RCW 9A.82.060 (Leading organized crime).
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.