Washington legal term
Hostage situation in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Hostage situation” 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 “Hostage situation” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Hostage situation" means a scenario in which a person is being held against his or her will by an armed, potentially armed, or otherwise dangerous suspect. (RCW 10.116.030)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.