Washington criminal charge
Obstructing a law enforcement officer in Washington
Obstructing a law enforcement officer is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.76.020. 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.76.020.
What is the penalty for obstructing a law enforcement officer 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 obstructing a law enforcement officer in Washington
Is obstructing a law enforcement officer a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for obstructing a law enforcement officer in Washington?
As a Gross Misdemeanor, obstructing a law enforcement officer 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 obstructing a law enforcement officer?
Obstructing a law enforcement officer is governed by RCW 9A.76.020 (Obstructing a law enforcement officer).
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.