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Washington legal term

Maintain in Washington Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Washington legislative session

In Washington criminal law, “Maintain” 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 “Maintain” mean in Washington criminal law?

"Maintain" means, in relation to forced labor, involuntary servitude, a sexually explicit act, or a commercial sex act, to secure or make possible continued performance thereof, regardless of any initial agreement on the part of the victim to perform such labor, servitude, or act. (RCW 9A.40.100)

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.