Washington legal term
Indigent in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Indigent” 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 “Indigent” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Indigent" means a person who, at any stage of a court proceeding, is: (a) Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Temporary assistance for needy families, aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, medical care services under RCW 74.09.035, pregnant women assistance benefits, poverty-related veterans' benefits, food stamps or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, refugee resettlement benefits, medicaid, or supplemental security income; or (b) Involuntarily committed to a public mental health facility; or (c) Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of one hundr (RCW 10.101.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.