Washington criminal charge
Search without warrant unlawful in Washington
Search without warrant unlawful is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 10.79.040. 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 10.79.040.
What is the penalty for search without warrant unlawful 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 search without warrant unlawful in Washington
Is search without warrant unlawful a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Search without warrant unlawful is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 10.79.040.
What are the penalties for search without warrant unlawful in Washington?
As a Gross Misdemeanor, search without warrant unlawful 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 search without warrant unlawful?
Search without warrant unlawful is governed by RCW 10.79.040 (Search without warrant unlawful—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.