Washington legal term
Custodian in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Custodian” 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 “Custodian” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Custodian" means that person who has the legal right to custody of the child; (4) "Department" means the department of children, youth, and families; (5) Except as specifically provided in RCW 13.40.020 and chapters 13.24 and 13.34 RCW, "juvenile," "youth," and "child" mean any individual who is under the chronological age of eighteen years; (6) "Juvenile offender" and "juvenile offense" have the meaning ascribed in RCW 13.40.020; (7) "Parent" or "parents," except as used in chapter 13.34 RCW, means that parent or parents who have the right of legal custody of the child. (RCW 13.04.011)
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.