Washington legal term
Restrain in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Restrain” 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 “Restrain” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Restrain" means to restrict a person's movements without consent and without legal authority in a manner which interferes substantially with his or her liberty. (RCW 9A.40.010)
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.