Washington legal term
Essential personal effects in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Essential personal effects” 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 “Essential personal effects” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Essential personal effects" means those items necessary for a person's immediate health, welfare, and livelihood. (RCW 7.105.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.