Washington statute
RCW 9.69.100 — Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense—Penalty
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9.69: Duty Of Witnesses, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9.69.100
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.
(1) A person who witnesses the actual commission of:
(a) A violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 or preparations for the commission of such an offense;
(b) A sexual offense against a child or an attempt to commit such a sexual offense; or
(c) An assault of a child that appears reasonably likely to cause substantial bodily harm to the child,
shall as soon as reasonably possible notify the prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, medical assistance, or other public officials.
(2) This section shall not be construed to affect privileged relationships as provided by law.
(3) The duty to notify a person or agency under this section is met if a person notifies or attempts to provide such notice by telephone or any other means as soon as reasonably possible.
(4) Failure to report as required by subsection (1) of this section is a gross misdemeanor. However, a person is not required to report under this section where that person has a reasonable belief that making such a report would place that person or another family or household member in danger of immediate physical harm.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense is a Gross Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9.69.100.
Which Washington statute covers duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense?
Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense is governed by RCW 9.69.100 (Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offense—Penalty).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.