Washington legal term
Former witness in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Former witness” 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 “Former witness” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Former witness" means: (i) A person who testified in an official proceeding; (ii) A person who was endorsed as a witness in an official proceeding; (iii) A person whom the actor knew or believed may have been called as a witness if a hearing or trial had been held; or (iv) A person whom the actor knew or believed may have provided information related to a criminal investigation or an investigation into the abuse or neglect of a minor child. (RCW 9A.72.110)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.