Washington legal term
Basic necessities of life in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Basic necessities of life” 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 “Basic necessities of life” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Basic necessities of life" means food, water, shelter, clothing, and medically necessary health care, including but not limited to health-related treatment or activities, hygiene, oxygen, and medication. (RCW 9A.42.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abandonment of a dependent person in the first degree
- Abandonment of a dependent person in the second degree
- Abandonment of a dependent person in the third degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the first degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the fourth degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the second degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the third degree
- Homicide by abuse
- Leaving a child in the care of a sex offender
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.