Washington legal term
Prison in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Prison” 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 “Prison” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Prison" means any place designated by law for the keeping of persons held in custody under process of law, or under lawful arrest, including but not limited to any state correctional institution or any county or city jail; (20) "Prisoner" includes any person held in custody under process of law, or under lawful arrest; (21) "Projectile stun gun" means an electronic device that projects wired probes attached to the device that emit an electrical charge and that is designed and primarily employed to incapacitate a person or animal; (22) "Property" means anything of value, whether tangible or in (RCW 9A.04.110)
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.