# RCW 9A.04.040: RCW 9A.04.040: Classes of crimes

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S040

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 9A.04.040
- **Heading:** RCW 9A.04.040: Classes of crimes
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 9A / Chapter 04 / Section 040

## Text

(1) An offense defined by this title or by any other statute of this state, for which a sentence of imprisonment is authorized, constitutes a crime. Crimes are classified as felonies, gross misdemeanors, or misdemeanors. (2) A crime is a felony if it is so designated in this title or by any other statute of this state or if persons convicted thereof may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term in excess of one year. A crime is a misdemeanor if it is so designated in this title or by any other statute of this state or if persons convicted thereof may be sentenced to imprisonment for no more than ninety days. Every other crime is a gross misdemeanor.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 9A.04.010 RCW 9A.04.010: Title, effective date, application, severability, captions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S010.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.020 RCW 9A.04.020: Purposes—Principles of construction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S020.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.030 RCW 9A.04.030: State criminal jurisdiction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S030.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.040 RCW 9A.04.040: Classes of crimes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S040.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.050 RCW 9A.04.050: People capable of committing crimes—Capability of children.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S050.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.060 RCW 9A.04.060: Common law to supplement statute.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S060.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.070 RCW 9A.04.070: Who amenable to criminal statutes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S070.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.080 RCW 9A.04.080: Limitation of actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S080.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.090 RCW 9A.04.090: Application of general provisions of the code.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S090.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.100 RCW 9A.04.100: Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S100.md)
- [RCW 9A.04.110 RCW 9A.04.110: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S110.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C04_S040. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.