Washington legal term
Confinement in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Confinement” 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 “Confinement” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Confinement" means physical custody by the department of children, youth, and families in a facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with the state, or physical custody in a detention facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with any county. (RCW 13.40.020)
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.