Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

Washington criminal charge

Penalty in Washington

Gross MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Washington legislative session

Penalty is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.50.030. 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.50.030.

What is the penalty for penalty in Washington?

Penalties for Penalty
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup 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)discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021
Fineup to $5,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)))discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021

Applies to current.

Common questions about penalty in Washington

Is penalty a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

Penalty is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.50.030.

What are the penalties for penalty in Washington?

As a Gross Misdemeanor, penalty 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 penalty?

Penalty is governed by RCW 9A.50.030 (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.