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Washington statute

RCW 9.68A.075 — Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 9.68A: Sexual Exploitation Of Children, Revised Code of Washington.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of RCW 9.68A.075

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.

RCW 9.68A.075Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
(1) Except as provided in subsections (5) and (6) of this section, a person who intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8) (a) through (e) is guilty of viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree, a class B felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2) Except as provided in subsections (5) and (6) of this section, a person who intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined in RCW 9.68A.011(8) (f) or (g) is guilty of viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree, a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) For the purposes of determining whether a person intentionally viewed over the internet a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the trier of fact shall consider the title, text, and content of the visual or printed matter, as well as the internet history, search terms, thumbnail images, downloading activity, expert computer forensic testimony, number of visual or printed matter depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, defendant's access to and control over the electronic device and its contents upon which the visual or printed matter was found, or any other relevant evidence. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the viewing was initiated by the user of the computer where the viewing occurred. (4) For the purposes of this section, each separate internet session of intentionally viewing over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct constitutes a separate offense. (5) This section does not apply to a minor who intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting a minor 13 years of age or older engaged in sexually explicit conduct. (6) This section does not apply to a person under 13 years of age who intentionally views over the internet visual or printed matter depicting himself or herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

It depends on the circumstances: viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct ranges from a Class C Felony to a Class B Felony in Washington under RCW 9.68A.075.

Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree: Class B Felony (RCW 9.68A.075(1)) · Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the second degree: Class C Felony (RCW 9.68A.075(2))

Which Washington statute covers viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct?

Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct is governed by RCW 9.68A.075 (Viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.