Washington criminal charge
Physical control of vehicle while under the influence in Washington
Physical control of vehicle while under the influence is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 46.61.504. 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 46.61.504.
How is physical control of vehicle while under the influence classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical control while under the influence - base offense | Gross Misdemeanor | A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor except as provided in subsection (6). | RCW 46.61.504(5) |
Common questions about physical control of vehicle while under the influence in Washington
Is physical control of vehicle while under the influence a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Which Washington statute covers physical control of vehicle while under the influence?
Physical control of vehicle while under the influence is governed by RCW 46.61.504 (Physical control of vehicle while under the influence).
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.