Washington criminal charge
Theft of motor vehicle fuel in Washington
Theft of motor vehicle fuel is a Gross Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 46.61.740. 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 46.61.740.
What is the penalty for theft of motor vehicle fuel 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 theft of motor vehicle fuel in Washington
Is theft of motor vehicle fuel a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for theft of motor vehicle fuel in Washington?
As a Gross Misdemeanor, theft of motor vehicle fuel 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 theft of motor vehicle fuel?
Theft of motor vehicle fuel is governed by RCW 46.61.740 (Theft of motor vehicle fuel).
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.