Washington criminal charge
Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running in Washington
Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running is a Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 46.61.685. As a 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 46.61.685.
What is the penalty for leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 90 days (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 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running in Washington
Is leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running in Washington?
As a Misdemeanor, leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running carries up to 90 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (current).
Which Washington statute covers leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running?
Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running is governed by RCW 46.61.685 (Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty).
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.