Washington legal term
Kidnapping offense in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Kidnapping offense” 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 “Kidnapping offense” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Kidnapping offense" means: (a) The crimes of kidnapping in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, and unlawful imprisonment, as defined in chapter 9A.40 RCW, where the victim is a minor and the offender is not the minor's parent; (b) Any offense that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit an offense that is classified as a kidnapping offense under this subsection; (c) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for: An offense for which the person would be required to register as a kidnapping offender if residing in the (RCW 9A.44.128)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.