Washington legal term
Adult in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Adult” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Adult” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Adult" means both individuals legally classified as adults and juveniles treated as adults by court order, statute, or operation of law. (RCW 9.94A.745)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Assault in the fourth degree
- Cheating in the first degree
- Custodial assault
- Custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree
- Custodial sexual misconduct in the second degree
- Endangerment with a controlled substance
- Homicide by abuse
- Penalty
- Relief from duty to register
- "Sexually explicit material"
- Transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution
- Unlawful issuance of checks or drafts
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.