Washington criminal charge
Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Washington
Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is a criminal offense under Washington law, defined by RCW 9.68A.075. 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 9.68A.075.
What is the penalty for viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree — Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(a) through (e), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6).; statutory maximum (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(b)); the sentence actually imposed is set by the Sentencing Reform Act standard range (RCW 9.94A.510) from the offense's seriousness level and the defendant's offender score) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $20,000 (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree — Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(a) through (e), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6).; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)); unless a different maximum is specifically established by statute) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree — Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(f) or (g), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6).; statutory maximum (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(c)); the sentence actually imposed is set by the Sentencing Reform Act standard range (RCW 9.94A.510) from the offense's seriousness level and the defendant's offender score) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree — Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(f) or (g), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6).; statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)); unless a different maximum is specifically established by statute) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984.
How is viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct classified in Washington?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree | Class B Felony | Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(a) through (e), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6). | RCW 9.68A.075(1) |
| Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree | Class C Felony | Applies when a person intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8)(f) or (g), except as provided in subsections (5) and (6). | RCW 9.68A.075(2) |
Common questions about viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Washington
Is viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
It depends on the circumstances: viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct ranges from a Class C Felony to a Class B Felony in Washington under RCW 9.68A.075.
Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree: Class B Felony (RCW 9.68A.075(1)) · Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree: Class C Felony (RCW 9.68A.075(2))
What are the penalties for viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Washington?
Penalties for viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Washington depend on how it is classified — from a Class C Felony up to a Class B Felony — 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 viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct?
Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is governed by RCW 9.68A.075 (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct).
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.