Washington criminal charge
Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington
Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9A.76.080. 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 9A.76.080.
What is the penalty for rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — standard — Applies except when the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060.; 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 (Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — standard — Applies except when the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060.; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Jail / prison | up to 90 days (Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — relative defense — Applies if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060.; 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 (Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — relative defense — Applies if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060.; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to current.
How is rendering criminal assistance in the second degree classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — standard | Gross Misdemeanor | Applies except when the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060. | RCW 9A.76.080(2)(a) |
| Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — relative defense | Misdemeanor | Applies if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the actor is a relative as defined in RCW 9A.76.060. | RCW 9A.76.080(2)(b) |
Common questions about rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington
Is rendering criminal assistance in the second degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: rendering criminal assistance in the second degree ranges from a Misdemeanor to a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.76.080.
Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — standard: Gross Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.76.080(2)(a)) · Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree — relative defense: Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.76.080(2)(b))
What are the penalties for rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington?
Penalties for rendering criminal assistance in the second degree in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Misdemeanor up to a Gross Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by RCW 9A.20.021; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Washington statute covers rendering criminal assistance in the second degree?
Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree is governed by RCW 9A.76.080 (Rendering criminal assistance in the second degree).
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.