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Washington statute

RCW 9A.20.010 — Classification and designation of crimes

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 9A.20: Classification Of Crimes, Revised Code of Washington.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of RCW 9A.20.010

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 9A.20.010Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
(1) Classified Felonies. (a) The particular classification of each felony defined in Title 9A RCW is expressly designated in the section defining it. (b) For purposes of sentencing, classified felonies are designated as one of three classes, as follows: (i) Class A felony; or (ii) Class B felony; or (iii) Class C felony. (2) Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors. (a) Any crime punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than ninety days, or by both such fine and imprisonment is a misdemeanor. Whenever the performance of any act is prohibited by any statute, and no penalty for the violation of such statute is imposed, the committing of such act shall be a misdemeanor. (b) All crimes other than felonies and misdemeanors are gross misdemeanors.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is classification and designation of crimes a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

It depends on the circumstances: classification and designation of crimes ranges from a Misdemeanor to a Class A Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.20.010.

Class A felony: Class A Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Class B felony: Class B Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Class C felony: Class C Felony (RCW 9A.20.010(1)(b)) · Misdemeanor: Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.20.010(2)) · Gross misdemeanor: Gross Misdemeanor (RCW 9A.20.010(2)(b))

Which Washington statute covers classification and designation of crimes?

Classification and designation of crimes is governed by RCW 9A.20.010 (Classification and designation of crimes).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.