Washington statute
RCW 9A.76.040 — Resisting arrest
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.76: Obstructing Governmental Operation, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.76.040
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 resisting arrest if he or she intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer from lawfully arresting him or her.
(2) Resisting arrest is a misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is resisting arrest a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Resisting arrest is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 9A.76.040.
Which Washington statute covers resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is governed by RCW 9A.76.040 (Resisting arrest).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.