Washington legal term
Physically helpless in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Physically helpless” 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 “Physically helpless” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Physically helpless" means a person who is unconscious or for any other reason is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to an act. (RCW 9A.44.010)
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.