Washington legal term
Control in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Control” 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 “Control” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Control" means the possession of a sufficient interest to permit substantial direction over the affairs of an enterprise. (RCW 9A.82.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal sabotage defined
- Deadly weapons
- Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis
- Electronic data theft
- Enforcement and penalties
- Interfering with dog guide or service animal
- Interfering with search and rescue dog
- Money laundering
- Narcotic drugs, controlled substances, alcohol, cannabis, other intoxicant, cell phone, or other form of electronic telecommunications device
- Narcotic drugs or controlled substances
- Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters
- Permitting commercial sexual abuse of a minor
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.