{"id":377114,"date":"2018-06-13T17:48:29","date_gmt":"2018-06-13T22:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-kidnapping-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-06-14T23:54:59","modified_gmt":"2018-06-15T04:54:59","slug":"washington-kidnapping-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-kidnapping-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Kidnapping Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Kidnapping Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

While each state has its own legal definition of kidnapping, it's generally defined as taking a person against their will. Kidnapping is usually classified as a felony<\/a> in most jurisdictions, including Washington. Washington also has laws addressing "custodial interference," which apply to a relative or parent of a child. Although custodial interference is not treated as seriously as kidnapping<\/a>, a conviction can still result in imprisonment.<\/p>\r\n

Custodial Interference<\/h2>\r\n

In Washington, custodial interference occurs if a relative, parent, or another person under the direction of a parent takes, detains, or conceals a child from the person or agency that has lawful physical custody. Depending on the specific circumstances, a person can commit custodial interference in the first degree<\/a> or the second degree<\/a>. First degree custodial interference is a Class C felony while the charges for second degree custodial interference depend on whether it's a first offense (gross misdemeanor) or a subsequent offense (Class C felony).<\/p>\r\n

Washington Kidnapping Laws Overview<\/h2>\r\n

When you have a question about the law, an important source of information is the actual statute itself. But statutes are usually written in "legalese," which can take time to interpret and understand. For this reason, it can be helpful to also read an overview of the statute in plain English. Below you'll find a chart summarizing Washington kidnapping laws as well as links to relevant statutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Washington Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n

Kidnapping<\/b><\/td>\r\n

First Degree Kidnapping<\/i>: abducting<\/a> a person with intent to:<\/p>\r\n

Charges and Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\n

First Degree Kidnapping<\/i> is a Class A felony<\/b> punishable by up to life in prison and\/or a fine up to $50,000.<\/p>\r\n

Second Degree Kidnapping<\/i> is Class B felony<\/b> punishable by up to 10 years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $20,000. However<\/u>, if there's a finding of sexual motivation, then it's a Class A felony<\/b>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Washington Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n