Washington statute
RCW 9A.40.020 — Kidnapping in the first degree
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.40: Kidnapping, Unlawful Imprisonment, Custodial Interference, Luring, Trafficking, And Coercion Of Involuntary Servitude, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.40.020
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 is guilty of kidnapping in the first degree if he or she intentionally abducts another person with intent:
(a) To hold him or her for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage; or
(b) To facilitate commission of any felony or flight thereafter; or
(c) To inflict bodily injury on him or her; or
(d) To inflict extreme mental distress on him, her, or a third person; or
(e) To interfere with the performance of any governmental function.
(2) Kidnapping in the first degree is a class A felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is kidnapping in the first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Kidnapping in the first degree is a Class A Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.40.020.
Which Washington statute covers kidnapping in the first degree?
Kidnapping in the first degree is governed by RCW 9A.40.020 (Kidnapping in the first degree).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.