Washington legal term
Merchant in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Merchant” 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 “Merchant” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Merchant" means an owner or operator of any retail mercantile establishment or any agent, employee, lessee, consignee, officer, director, franchisee, or independent contractor of such owner or operator. (RCW 9A.56.280)
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.