Washington legal term
Theft in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Theft” 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 “Theft” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Theft" means: (a) To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or (b) By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or (c) To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services. (RCW 9A.56.020)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Credit, payment cards
- Electronic data theft
- Financial fraud
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Interfering with dog guide or service animal
- Interfering with search and rescue dog
- Mail theft
- Making or possessing motor vehicle theft tools
- Metal property deception
- Organized retail theft
- Possession of another's identification
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.