Washington legal term
Violent act in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Violent act” 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 “Violent act” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Violent act" means behavior that: (a)(i) Resulted in; (ii) if completed as intended would have resulted in; or (iii) was threatened to be carried out by a person who had the intent and opportunity to carry out the threat and would have resulted in, homicide, nonfatal injuries, or substantial damage to property; or (b) recklessly creates an immediate risk of serious physical injury to another person. (RCW 10.77.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.