Washington legal term
Restraints in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Restraints” 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 “Restraints” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Restraints" means anything used to control the movement of a person's body or limbs and includes: (a) Physical restraint; or (b) Mechanical device including but not limited to: Metal handcuffs, plastic ties, ankle restraints, leather cuffs, other hospital-type restraints, tasers, or batons; (31) "Risk assessment tool" means the statistically valid tool used by the department to inform release or placement decisions related to security level, release within the sentencing range, community facility eligibility, community transition services eligibility, and parole. (RCW 13.40.020)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.