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Washington criminal charge

Shopping cart theft in Washington

MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Washington legislative session

Shopping cart theft is a Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.56.270. As a 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.56.270.

What is the penalty for shopping cart theft in Washington?

Penalties for Shopping cart theft
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 90 days (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)discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021
Fineup to $1,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)))discretionaryRCW 9A.20.021

Applies to current.

Common questions about shopping cart theft in Washington

Is shopping cart theft a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

Shopping cart theft is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.56.270.

What are the penalties for shopping cart theft in Washington?

As a Misdemeanor, shopping cart theft carries up to 90 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (current).

Which Washington statute covers shopping cart theft?

Shopping cart theft is governed by RCW 9A.56.270 (Shopping cart theft).

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.