Washington legal term
Serious offense in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Serious offense” 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 “Serious offense” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to commit any of the following felonies, as now existing or hereafter amended: (a) Any crime of violence; (b) Any felony violation of the uniform controlled substances act, chapter 69.50 RCW, that is classified as a class B felony or that has a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years; (c) Child molestation in the second degree; (d) Incest when committed against a child under age 14; (e) Indecent liberties; (f) Leading organized crime; (g) Promoting prostitution in the first degree; (h) Rape in the third degree; (RCW 9.41.010)
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.