Washington legal term
By color or aid of deception in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “By color or aid of deception” 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 “By color or aid of deception” mean in Washington criminal law?
"By color or aid of deception" means that the deception operated to bring about the obtaining of the property or services; it is not necessary that deception be the sole means of obtaining the property or services; (5) "Deception" occurs when an actor knowingly: (a) Creates or confirms another's false impression which the actor knows to be false; or (b) Fails to correct another's impression which the actor previously has created or confirmed; or (c) Prevents another from acquiring information material to the disposition of the property involved; or (d) Transfers or encumbers property without d (RCW 9A.56.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.