Washington legal term
Substantial emotional distress in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Substantial emotional distress” 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 “Substantial emotional distress” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Substantial emotional distress" means a mental, emotional, or physical reaction such as anxiety, apprehension, or loss of ability to concentrate or other symptoms, whether or not medical or other professional treatment or counseling is sought or required, which degrades the victim's quality of life. (RCW 9A.46.110)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.