Washington legal term
Predatory in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Predatory” 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 “Predatory” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Predatory" means: (a) The perpetrator of the crime was a stranger to the victim, as defined in this section; (b) the perpetrator established or promoted a relationship with the victim prior to the offense and the victimization of the victim was a significant reason the perpetrator established or promoted the relationship; or (c) the perpetrator was: (i) A teacher, counselor, volunteer, or other person in authority in any public or private school and the victim was a student of the school under his or her authority or supervision. (RCW 9.94A.030)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.