Washington legal term
Incompetency in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Incompetency” 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 “Incompetency” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Incompetency" means a person lacks the capacity to understand the nature of the proceedings against him or her or to assist in his or her own defense as a result of mental disease or defect. (RCW 10.77.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.