Washington criminal charge
Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant in Washington
Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.76.175. 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.76.175.
What is the penalty for making a false or misleading statement to a public servant in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up 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) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about making a false or misleading statement to a public servant in Washington
Is making a false or misleading statement to a public servant a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.76.175.
What are the penalties for making a false or misleading statement to a public servant in Washington?
As a Gross Misdemeanor, making a false or misleading statement to a public servant 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 making a false or misleading statement to a public servant?
Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant is governed by RCW 9A.76.175 (Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant).
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.