Washington statute
RCW 9A.72.120 — Tampering with a witness
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.72: Perjury And Interference With Official Proceedings, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.72.120
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 tampering with a witness if he or she attempts to induce a witness or person he or she has reason to believe is about to be called as a witness in any official proceeding or a person whom he or she has reason to believe may have information relevant to a criminal investigation or the abuse or neglect of a minor child to:
(a) Testify falsely or, without right or privilege to do so, to withhold any testimony; or
(b) Absent himself or herself from such proceedings; or
(c) Withhold from a law enforcement agency information which he or she has relevant to a criminal investigation or the abuse or neglect of a minor child to the agency.
(2) Tampering with a witness is a class C felony.
(3) For purposes of this section, each instance of an attempt to tamper with a witness constitutes a separate offense.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is tampering with a witness a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Tampering with a witness is a Class C Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.72.120.
Which Washington statute covers tampering with a witness?
Tampering with a witness is governed by RCW 9A.72.120 (Tampering with a witness).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.