Washington legal term
Unlawful debt in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Unlawful debt” 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 “Unlawful debt” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Unlawful debt" means any money or other thing of value constituting principal or interest of a debt that is legally unenforceable in the state in full or in part because the debt was incurred or contracted: (a) In violation of any one of the following: (i) Chapter 67.16 RCW relating to horse racing; (ii) Chapter 9.46 RCW relating to gambling; (b) In a gambling activity in violation of federal law; or (c) In connection with the business of lending money or a thing of value at a rate that is at least twice the permitted rate under the applicable state or federal law relating to usury. (RCW 9A.82.010)
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.