Washington statute
RCW 9A.88.070 — Promoting prostitution in the first degree
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 9A.88: Indecent Exposure—Prostitution, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 9A.88.070
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 promoting prostitution in the first degree if he or she knowingly advances prostitution:
(a) By compelling a person by threat or force to engage in prostitution or profits from prostitution which results from such threat or force; or
(b) By compelling a person with a mental incapacity or developmental disability that renders the person incapable of consent to engage in prostitution or profits from prostitution that results from such compulsion.
(2) Promoting prostitution in the first degree is a class B felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is promoting prostitution in the first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Promoting prostitution in the first degree is a Class B Felony in Washington under RCW 9A.88.070.
Which Washington statute covers promoting prostitution in the first degree?
Promoting prostitution in the first degree is governed by RCW 9A.88.070 (Promoting prostitution in the first degree).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.