Washington legal term
Department in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Department” 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 “Department” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Department" means the department of children, youth, and families; (12) "Detention facility" means a county facility, paid for by the county, for the physical confinement of a juvenile alleged to have committed an offense or an adjudicated offender subject to a disposition or modification order. (RCW 13.40.020)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abstract of driving record
- Application
- Assault in the third degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the fourth degree
- Criminal mistreatment in the third degree
- Dealer's licenses, by whom granted, conditions, fees
- Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property
- Earned release time
- Emergency or work zones
- Leaving a child in the care of a sex offender
- Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running
- Loss of voting rights
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.